Cristiano Ronaldo vs Lionel Messi former Man United teammate talks about MLS reunion
Despite currently playing their club football on different continents, at Al Nassr and Inter Miami, fans of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi still hold out hope of a final battle before retirement.
With no incoming prospect of a competitive club meeting, with Al Nassr not qualifying for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, chances of a meeting are reducing.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is expected to be the final chance for a possible face-off with the pair determined to lead Portugal and Argentina into battle.
However, despite the window of a club clash appearing slim, Ronaldo’s former Manchester United teammate Mikael Silvestre admitted he would love to see the pair battle it out once again in the USA.
“It would be amazing to see Cristiano Ronaldo competing against Lionel Messi in the MLS, it would be a dream for football fans,” Silvestre told an interview with Norskebettingsider.
“However, I think he’s happy in Saudi and is the face of the league out there. He is also still playing for Portugal.
“Maybe after the World Cup, he’ll decide to make a change, in what might be the last transfer of his career.”
Ronaldo’s current contract at Al Nassr expires in June 2025, and despite previous indications of his plan to retire in Riyadh, that situation could change.
His aim of playing at the World Cup will be key in extension talks with Al Nassr willing to keep the 39-year-old on his eye-watering $213m (£173m) annual salary in Saudi Arabia.
Messi’s deal in Miami ends in December 2025, with the MLS side open to extending that, to allow him to compete at the World Cup and potentially beyond.
