Messi would have a place in any team – Ancelotti

The coach of the Santiago Bernabeu club believes the Argentine star of their Clasico rivals would be worthy of a starting position with any side in the game

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti believes any team in the world could make room for Barcelona star Lionel Messi.

Doubt has been cast over the three-time Fifa Ballon d’Or winner’s future at Camp Nou since the turn of the year amid a breakdown in his relationship with Blaugrana boss Luis Enrique.

Chelsea are reportedly keen to trigger the Camp Nou talisman’s €250 million release clause should they feel he wishes to leave given the current turbulent state of affairs, and the Blancos boss admitted he thinks the 27-year-old would get into any team.

“[With] Messi, it’s complicated to comment. I’d say that Messi would have a place in any team in the world,” Ancelotti said in a press conference.

Iker Casillas has previously said that his club would not be interested in signing the Argentine, while also offering his opinion that Ancelotti is a better coach than his predecessor, Jose Mourinho.

Responding to the keeper’s statement regarding the former boss at the Santiago Bernabeu, Ancelotti said: “I completely agree with the first statement (laughs). That suits me fine. Each person has their own personal opinion and I’m grateful for his words.”

La Liga leaders Real Madrid will look to recover from consecutive competitive defeats when they host Espanyol in the top flight on Saturday.

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