For the past 20 years, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have ruled football. Such a competition between two players has never previously engulfed the sport, as the pair has won 13 of the last 16 Ballons d’Or.
However, it’s reasonable to conclude that their greatest years are behind them now that they are in the latter stages of their careers. Ronaldo presently plays for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, while Messi is a member of Inter Miami in the Major League Soccer.
Nevertheless, the pair is still more than capable of garnering significant media attention. According to recent reports, the two could become teammates for the first time, which would undoubtedly create a lot of excitement in the football community as well.
Ronaldo might play for Inter Miami alongside Messi.
A short-term change is planned for the 2026 Club World Cup.
Naturally, the two have always been compared because Messi’s best years were spent at Barcelona and Ronaldo’s at Real Madrid. However, a scenario has surfaced that may lead to their connection.
In a startling change of events, the two may actually be playing for Inter Miami at some point in 2026, according to TalkSport. Ronaldo’s contract with Al-Nassr expires this summer, and he will be free to depart at the conclusion of the current campaign. He and the Saudi Pro League team have not yet reached an agreement on an extension.
According to the source, the 40-year-old may temporarily depart to play for a Club World Cup squad in the summer before rejoining the Saudi Pro League.
Al-Nassr need not worry, since he is anticipated to rejoin the team. However, it is possible that he may first sign a short-term contract with a Club World Cup team. It does seem like the kind of thing Ronaldo would think about at this late point in his career, given how ambitious he is.
Ronaldo has a stellar record with the Club World Cup, having won it four times, once with Manchester United and three times with Real Madrid. But in 2026, when it’s extended to a 32-team tournament with a $125 million prize for the champions, the competition will have more prestige than ever.
Ronaldo might sign with Inter Miami in the summer as they made it to the tournament. Additionally, according to TalkSport, the American side is:
“Although nothing is advanced, I’m open to making the pair teammates.”
The ‘wiggle room’ they have to close a deal is also explained. Miami is permitted to add one more “designated player” now that Messi and Sergio Busquets have joined. MLS teams are permitted to recruit the three football players who are deemed to be above their salary cap (either by paying a transfer fee or by offering the player higher salaries).
Naturally, Ronaldo would be included in that group. But before deciding on his future, the Portuguese celebrity is reportedly waiting to see whether anything comes to pass.
Football fans will find it difficult to comprehend the concept of “Messi and Ronaldo” because it has been “Messi or Ronaldo” for so long, but it now appears that it may be possible.
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