Lionel Messi has admitted he was surprised by Cristiano Ronaldo‘s decision to leave Real Madrid and join Juventus.

Messi also believes the Serie A giants are now among the clear favourites to win this season’s Champions League.

Ronaldo swapped Spain for Italy in a deal worth €100 million in July, after sealing a third consecutive European crown, and his fourth in five years with Los Blancos.

But Messi, who missed out on a three-man shortlist for FIFA’s world player of the year award on Monday, feels the balance may have shifted following the 33-year-old’s exit.

“I was surprised, I didn’t imagine him leaving Madrid or that he would go to Juve because there was talk of many clubs (interested). The truth is I was very surprised but Juve are also a very good team,” Messi told Catalunya Radio.

“Real Madrid are one of the best teams in the world and they have a great squad but it’s obvious the departure of Ronaldo makes them less strong while Juve have become a clear favourite for the Champions League.

“They already had a good team and now they also have Cristiano Ronaldo.”