Real Madrid backed off from move to sign Lionel Messi’s Argentina teammate after being told to pay £150 million: Reports

Real Madrid decided not to pursue a transfer for Lionel Messi's Argentina teammate Cristian Romero earlier this year. According to journalist Paul O Keefe (via @AlbicelesteTalk), Tottenham Hotspur chairman Daniel Levy asked for £150 million, leading to Los Blancos backing out of the deal.

Carlo Ancelotti's Real Madrid have been in the market for a new centre-back in recent months as they look to bolster their defense. They were reportedly linked to Leny Yoro before his move to Manchester United and are monitoring Aymeric Laporte's situation at Al-Nassr.

However, one player they appear to have pursued was Tottenham Hotspur star Cristian Romero. The 26-year-old has emerged as one of the best centre-backs in the world in recent times and is renowned for his dominant aerial duels, physicality, and ability on the ball.

Moreover, Romero has also found great success with Lionel Messi's Argentina, playing a pivotal role in their triumphs at the 2022 FIFA World Cup and 2024 Copa America. He has also bagged the 2021 Copa America and 2022 Finalissima.

While Romero could have been a suitable acquisition for Los Blancos, the former is set to continue at Tottenham this season. He is currently contracted to Spurs until the summer of 2027.

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"The best team, if we have to say, is Real Madrid" - When Lionel Messi named Los Blancos as the best team in world football

Lionel Messi gave an interview with Infobae in June 2024, where he admitted Real Madrid were the best team in the world due to their exceptional results last season. However, he was quick to credit Pep Guardiola's Manchester City for having the best style of play as well.

Lionel Messi represented Barcelona in a 17-year successful tenure between 2004 and 2021, where he engaged in a fierce rivalry with club rivals Real Madrid. Despite this, he put all biases aside when asked which team is currently the best in the world.

Messi said (via beIN Sports):

"The best team, if we have to say, is Real Madrid, because they are the reigning Champions League winners. If you talk about results, it's Madrid; if you talk about style of play, personally, I like Guardiola's City."

He added:

"I think any team with Guardiola will be special because of his character, his way of coaching, and how he makes his teams play. In terms of style of play, for me, City is the best; for results, Madrid."

Los Blancos enjoyed great success during the 2023-24 campaign under Ancelotti's tutelage. They won the LaLiga title, finishing 10 points above Barcelona, and captured the Supercopa de Espana and their 15th UEFA Champions League trophy.