Messi transfer saga: Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos takes a cheeky swipe at Argentine

Barcelona talisman Lionel Messi's request to leave club this transfer window has come as a surprise t just for his fans, but also for his rivals. That it comes from a player who has dedicated his entire professional career for Catalan giants, winning every possible title during course of around two deces has intensified situation. As Messi transfer talks intensify, rivals have begun expressing ir views on same. ding to list that alrey includes Sergio Ramos is his Real Mrid teammate Toni Kroos. 

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Toni Kroos takes a swipe on Messi transfer talk

While speaking on his podcast Einfach mal Luppen with his bror Felix, Real Mrid's Toni Kroos took a cheeky swipe at Messi. Kroos was asked about his thoughts if Messi would go on to join Real Mrid, much like Luis Figo's sensational move to Bernabeu. Kroos insisted that Messi doesn't have 'cojones' (guts) to leave Barcelona for 13-time European champions. 

Toni Kroos went on to assert, unhesitatingly, that it is next to impossible to see Messi joining Real Mrid. six-time Ballon d'Or winner has been linked with a move to Premier League heavyweights Manchester City. Kroos believes that it is difficult to imagine Barcelona without ir leing goalscorer. However, 2014 World Cup winner with Germany accepts that Man City could be favourites to land 33-year-old. 

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Messi transfer will affect Barcelona: Toni Kroos 

Toni Kroos, however, didn't fail to point out vant that Real Mrid will have with Messi transfer away from Barcelona. Barcelona captain has been top-tch against Los Blancos and holds record of having scored most goals (26) in El Clasico fixtures, ahe of likes of Alfredo di Stefa and Cristia Ronaldo, both of whom have established a legacy of ir own at Bernabeu. Kroos insists that it isn't necessarily b to t have one of toughest players in a rival team. He elaborated that Messi transfer away from Barcelona will mean that Catalan giants will be short of one weapon. 

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Messi and Bartomeu at loggerhes 

Messi and Bartomeu have been at loggerhes for past season. Things took an early turn when Argentine sent a burofax to club, confirming his desire of leaving club. Messi's far Jorge, who also happens to be his nt, met Bartomeu on Wednesday to discuss an easy way out for both parties. However, Barcelona president insists that player is bound by a contract that ends only next year. If any club dreams of signing Messi, n €700 million ($839m) release clause should be paid, insists Bartomeu. 

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Im courtesy: Toni Kroos Twitter/Leo Messi Instagram