Although Real Madrid failed to adequately replace Ronaldo after his £105million move to Juventus earlier in the summer, Real have won their opening three La Liga matches, taking nine points.
In leaving the Spanish capital, Ronaldo ended his direct rivalry with Messi.
Barcelona superstar Messi suggested that Real won’t be as good without Ronaldo, as he said: “Real Madrid are one of the best teams in the world and they have a great squad [but] it's evident that the absence of Ronaldo makes them less good and makes Juventus [one of the] clear favourites to win the Champions League.
"It surprised me [when he left]."
"I didn't imagine him leaving Madrid or joining Juventus."
"There were a lot of teams that wanted him."
"It surprised me, but he has gone to a very good team."
But Lopetegui has issues with Messi’s comments.
He said: "I wouldn't doubt these Real Madrid players for a second."
"I didn't speak to Ronaldo."
"It's a situation that when I arrived, he had shown a desire to leave and the club facilitated it."
"I respected it and the strategy was taken."
Lopetegui has also admitted he has no regrets about choosing Real which saw him lose his role as Spain manager.
He added: "I don't regret the decision I made, I'd go back and make it again."
"It doesn't hurt to hear talk about the Spain national team. I am absolutely happy to train Real Madrid, I have a wonderful challenge."
"I wish Spain the best, to Luis Enrique and all of Spanish football. I am a follower of the Spain team."
"I think I did things correct, with the greatest honesty always under the premise that I would say yes to Real Madrid."
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