Lionel Messi spoke to Catalunya Radio on various topics, including Cristiano Ronaldo leaving Real Madrid.
“Real Madrid are one of the best teams in the world with a great squad (but) it’s evident that the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo makes them less good and makes Juventus (one of the) clear favourites to win the Champions League,” Messi said.
“It surprised me. I didn’t imagine him leaving Madrid or joining Juventus. There were a lot of teams that wanted him. It surprised me but he went to a very good team.”
However he said he has never thought about leaving Barcelona himself.
"I have everything here. I came here at 13 and I've had my whole life here. I'm at the best team in the world and in one of the best cities. I have no need to go anywhere else."
Messi says when he retires "the easiest thing would be to keep living in Barcelona".