Ronaldo: I'd pay my own money to buy Messi

The legendary Brazilian would love to self-fund a transfer for the Barcelona forward to join Fort Lauderdale Strikers, who he currently plays for

Brazil legend Ronaldo claims he would splash his own cash to bring Lionel Messi from Barcelona to Fort Lauderdale Strikers.

Messi has lit up La Liga for over decade and, since the turn of

the calendar year, has been in fantastic form for Luis Enrique's side as the Catalans have returned to the summit in the Spanish championship.

Ronaldo, who played for Barcelona and Real Madrid in his prime, recently became part-owner of second-tier US side Fort Lauderdale and revealed his ambition to lure Messi away from Camp Nou using his own money.

"I'd pay out of my own pocket to sign Messi," he told reporters at an event to launch the North American Soccer League (NASL) season, which the FL Strikers will take part in.

Messi is not the only global superstar on Ronaldo's wishlist, with the World Cup-winner also hoping his new club can someday convince his namesake Cristiano Ronaldo that the Florida club are worth leaving Real Madrid for.

"The sky is the limit for Strikers. This club will become great," he added. "Why not Messi? Why not Cristiano Ronaldo? In a few years' time we will be able to make it happen.

"Nothing is impossible. The US is the second-fastest growing country in the world in terms of football, after China. A lot of famous players will want to come and play in South Florida because of the quality of life. Who wouldn't want to live here?"