Messi: I'll never join Real

Lionel Messi has revealed that although Real Madrid have been linked with a long-term interest in the Argentinian, he would never consider joining Barcelona's rivals.

Real Madrid's football chief Miguel Angel Portugal revealed this week they had a chance to sign Messi as a youngster before he committed himself to Barca.

When asked about the claims, Messi told El Mundo Deportivo, "No, I don't know about that. I don't think I would have even considered joining Madrid. There was no offer, but even if there was I believe I would have said no. One always yearns to play for the best team in the world and this is what I have found at Barca. I do not envy anyone playing for Barca, not Madrid, not any club. We have the best players in the world."