Those who like to beat the best want Messi to stay: Ramos

The row between Barcelona and Lionel Messi has captured the world's attention, with even their bitterest rivals commenting on the situation.

Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos said that he wanted to see Lionel Messi stay at the Nou Camp -- if only because of the joy he gets from defeating him -- but Toni Kroos said that he would be happy to see the Argentine leave because it would make his team's job easier.

"It does not concern us. He has earned the respect to decide his own future. I don't know if he is doing it in the best way. For Spanish football, for Barca and for those of us who like to beat the best… we would like him to remain," Ramos said. "Leo makes La Liga and his team better, he makes Clasicos more beautiful because you like to win while being the best and he is one of the best in the world."

After saying the news "surprised him" in a podcast with his brother, Kroos added: "Messi is one of the best of all time. If a player of his caliber stops playing for your greatest rival, it is clear we would not regret it too much."

When asked about Messi's future, Kroos said: "[I don't have] any type of inside information. [But] I think it will most likely be Pep [Guardiola] and [Manchester] City."

What the midfielder could ascertain is that Messi would not be moving to the Santiago Bernabeu.

"I don't think he can do that. To say it in Spanish: for that you have to have guts."