The rivalry between Barcelona and Real Madrid stars Messi and Ronaldo could be entering one of its final chapters.
While Ronaldo was named FIFA’s best player last month, the 32-year-old is toiling having scored just once in La Liga all season.
Messi, contrastingly, has taken the league by storm, scoring 12 goals to fire Barcelona to the summit as they aim to win the prize at the first time of asking under manager Ernesto Valverde.
And Spanish outlet Diario Gol says the Argentina international has now been informed of surprising ongoings behind the scenes over at Real Madrid.
Ronaldo’s struggles have coincided with Los Blancos’ own turgid run.
Zinedine Zidane’s men appeared to be the team to beat at the start of the season, where they thumped Barcelona 5-1 on aggregate to scoop the Spanish Super Cup.
But in the time since they have toiled, managing to win seven of their 11 games – but losing two along the way.
And Diario Gol say Messi has been told that Ronaldo has fallen out with several of his team-mates at the Bernabeu.
It is said the Portugal international is ‘at war’ with half of the dressing room.
The player’s state of mind has been questionable ever since the summer.
Ronaldo was accused of tax fraud by the Spanish courts, and consequently made clear his desire to return to England.
Manchester United appeared the club most likely to sign him but, speaking at the time, Jose Mourinho insisted any deal could not be done.
“We have never thought about it, because he’s such an important player for his club, of great economic power, where we have not been able to find for whatever reason that could have made us think that Ronaldo could leave,” said Mourinho.
“I’m not a defender of my club once you waste time on players who are mission impossible.”
Ronaldo is next in action when Portugal face Saudi Arabia on Friday evening (8.45pm).