Ronaldo urges Barcelona to keep hold of Lionel Messi

Brazil legend Ronaldo does not want Barcelona to part ways with Lionel Messi "in any situation".

After months of speculation regarding his future, the 33-year-old has handed in a formal transfer request in a bid to join a new club this summer.

As it stands, the relevant parties are disputing whether a fee should be involved, an argument revolving around a clause in Messi's contract which allegedly expired on June 10.

Nevertheless, former forward Ronaldo wants the Catalan giants and their best ever player to find a way to work together in the future.

Speaking during a web seminar hosted by Santander, Ronaldo said: "It's very unlikely that he'll be able to leave Barcelona at the moment, especially when there's a crisis of results.

"Messi is a reference for the team and, if I were Barcelona, I wouldn't let him leave in any situation. He has a great and strong relationship with the club and I don't think he'll stop being in love with the team."

Manchester City are currently regarded as the favourites to win the race for the player.