Real Madrid are one of the only clubs in the world that could financially afford to make a deal for Lionel Messi. It is difficult to imagine Messi leaving Barcelona to play for Real Madrid, though Luis Figo made the switch more than a decade ago.

"I think so," said Ancelotti about whether he could envision Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo playing together. "But you have to remember that Cristiano is the standard bearer for Real Madrid, like Messi is for Barcelona.

"Both of them have their own team and their own history. Having both on the same side would be wonderful for us but it's difficult to see that ever happening."