Lionel Messi shrugs off Cristiano Ronaldo challenge

Barcelona forward Lionel Messi has insisted that he does not need to change leagues after Cristiano Ronaldo challenged the Argentine to join him in Serie A.

Ronaldo ended a prolific nine-year stay at Real Madrid during the summer, signing for Juventus in a deal worth almost £100m.

After the move, Ronaldo suggested that his perennial rival Messi should test himself in other leagues and for different teams, but Messi - who has played for Barcelona his entire career - is not considering taking up the challenge.

"Accepting Ronaldo's challenge to join Italian football? I don't need any change," the Argentine told Marca.

"I'm at the best team in the world. My challenges are renewed year after year. I do not need to change teams or leagues to set new goals. I am at home and I do not need to change."

Messi has scored 21 goals and registered 13 assists in just 20 appearances for Barcelona this season.