Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi could become team-mates in a stunning move this summer.
Ronaldo, 40, is out of contract at Al-Nassr this summer and is widely expected to sign a new deal, but their failure to qualify for the Club World Cup this summer has opened the door to a short-term deal.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner wants to play at the newly-expanded tournament and a number of participating clubs are said to be interested in signing Ronaldo temporarily.
Those clubs, according to TalkSPORT, include Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami, who are said to be open to discussing a deal for Ronaldo for a move which would see the two football icons finally join forces.
There is no suggesting anything is advanced but is a move the Herons could theoretically pull off as they currently have just two of their three designated player slots filled in Messi and Sergio Busquets.
Miami were given a special invitation to compete at the tournament in the United States and the prospect of the pair, who have 12 Ballon d’Ors and eight Champions League titles between them, would be a huge attraction for fans.
Ronaldo v Messi head to head
The duo were fierce rivals when starring for Real Madrid and Barcelona during their prime before they went their separate ways to Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain.
Ronaldo briefly returned to Manchester United before moving to the Saudi Pro League in January 2023, with Messi heading to MLS side Miami shortly after.
They have not shared the pitch since January 2023 when they played in an exhibition match between PSG and a Riyadh All-Star XI containing Ronaldo.
The pair have faced each other 36 times across their glittering careers, with Messi leading with 16 wins to Ronaldo’s 11 – and a further nine draws.
