Former FIFA World Player of the Year Ronaldo Nazário has warned PSG not to think that their signing of Lionel Messi will guarantee they win the Champions League.
The ex-Barcelona and Real Madrid forward, who is widely considered to be one of the best players of his generation, says there are 'many factors' that determine whether a club can win on Europe's biggest stage and that an overreliance on individual players is dangerous.
"It's still too early to say who will win the Champions League," 'R9' said in an interview with Diario AS.
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I played for Real Madrid for almost five seasons, in the Galacticos team and I never won the Champions League. Winning is never mathematical, even if you have the best on your team. It also applies to PSG."
Despite a career littered with individual and collective glories, Ronaldo never lifted the Champions League. The 44 year old, who is now the President of Spanish side Real Valladolid, only tasted European success with UEFA Cup and UEFA Cup Winners' Cup victories in 1997 and 1998 respectively.
Conversely, Messi has lifted the coveted trophy on four occasions, scoring in the 2009 and 2011 triumphs over Manchester United. His new club are yet to clinch the crown, having lost narrowly to Bayern Munich in Lisbon in 2020's final.
However, another ex-Barcelona star, midfield maestro Juan Román Riquelme, believes Messi will make the difference for Mauricio Pochettino's men this year and carry them to that elusive first Champions League triumph.
"I hope that Messi continues to enjoy Paris," he told ESPN. "I don't know if it is strange but we are all excited to see him enjoy with (Kylian) Mbappé and Neymar.
If they don't win the Champions League now, they won't win it anymore. I think Messi will win the Champions League with PSG and retire in Barcelona."
Messi's first taste of Champions League football with his new employers will come next Wednesday, as they travel to Club Brugge. He'll be reunited with former Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola the following Tuesday when Manchester City head to the Parc des Princes.
Featured Image Credit:Topics: PSG, Messi, Ronaldo, Champions League