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Barcelona's Lionel Messi: Real Madrid 'less good' after Cristiano Ronaldo exit

Lionel Messi was surprised by Cristiano Ronaldo's decision to leave Real Madrid for Juventus and says the European champions won't be as strong a team after losing the Portuguese forward.

Ronaldo, 33, joined Juve in July for €100 million after spending the best part of the last nine years competing with Barcelona's Messi for collective and individual glory in Spain.

Without Ronaldo, Madrid lost the European Super Cup to Atletico Madrid although they have made a strong start to the new league season, winning their first three games comfortably under new coach Julen Lopetegui.

However, Messi believes they're a poorer side without Ronaldo and expects Juve to greatly benefit from the deal in Europe this season.