The two clubs Messi and Ronaldo almost signed for

Messi and Ronaldo, who represent opposing sides of Spain's 'El Clasico,' both have a respectable five Ballon d'Ors in their trophy cabinets. Nevertheless, over a decade ago, they both had enticing offers from lesser sides. 

In the summer of 2005, Messi was just a boy at Barcelona. With a front three of Eto'o, Ronaldinho and Giuly, the Argentine wasn't getting the minutes he needed to hone his talent. That's what recently promoted Cadiz came knocking. 

The club from the South of Spain made a move for the out of favour youngster, but Barca manager Frank Rijkaard chose to stick with his youth product. And what a decision that would turn out to be.

Messi's rival Cristiano Ronaldo had an equally as tempting offer from French side Bastia. When Ronaldo was 16 and donning the jersey of Sporting Lisbon, Bastia enquired about bringing him to France. 

According to Bastia legend Jo Bonavita, the Portuguese club had put a pricetag of €800,000 that was deemed too steep by the potential buyers.

Ronaldo went on to sign for Manchester United where he dazzled the Premier League with his trickery before making a 'Galactico' transfer to Real Madrid. 

Today, neither Bastia nor Cadiz compete in the top flight of their country's respective leagues, with Bastia currently in France's fifth division. Who knows what would have become of Messi and Ronaldo had these moves gone through...