Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have dominated football for the past two decades. With the pair claiming 13 of the past 16 Ballons d'Or, the sport has never before been gripped by such a rivalry between two players.
Now in the twilight of their careers, however, it's safe to say their best years are behind. Messi currently plays for MLS outfit Inter Miami, while Ronaldo is in the Saudi Pro League playing for Al-Nassr.
That said, the duo are still more than capable of making major headlines. The latest rumours between the two would certainly cause a major stir in the football community, too, with claims suggesting they could potentially become teammates for the first time.
Ronaldo Could Join Messi at Inter Miami
Short-term move on the cards for 2026 Club World Cup
With Messi's best years coming at Barcelona and Ronaldo's at Real Madrid, the two have naturally always been pitted against each other. But a scenario has emerged which could see them link up.
Indeed, as per TalkSport, in a stunning turn of events, the pair could both be playing for Inter Miami at some stage in 2026. Ronaldo is out of contract at Al-Nassr this summer and will be free to leave at the end of the season. As of yet, he is yet to agree an extension with the Saudi Pro League outfit.
The report claims that the 40-year-old could leave on a temporary basis in order to play for a Club World Cup team in the summer, before then returning to the Saudi Pro League.
Indeed, Al-Nassr need not worry – he is expected to commit to the club once again – but there is a scenario where he pens a short-term deal with a Club World Cup team first. Knowing just how ambitious Ronaldo is, it does feel like the sort of thing he would consider at this late stage of his career.
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Having won the tournament four times – once with Manchester United and three times with Real Madrid – Ronaldo has a great history with the Club World Cup. However, in 2026, the competition will have more prestige than ever as it is expanded to a 32-team tournament with a $125m prize on offer for the winners.
With Inter Miami qualifying for the tournament, they are an option for Ronaldo in the summer. What's more, TalkSport state that the American side are:
'Open to making the pair teammates, though nothing is advanced.'
It's also explained that they have the 'wiggle room' to get a deal across the line. With Messi and Sergio Busquets already on board, Miami are allowed to sign one more 'designated player' – MLS clubs can sign up the three footballers considered outside their salary cap (either by offering the player higher wages or by paying a transfer fee for the player).
Ronaldo, of course, would fall into that category. However, the Portuguese star is said to be waiting to see if anything materialises before making a decision on his future.
For so long, it has been 'Messi or Ronaldo', so it will be hard for football fans to get their heads around the idea of 'Messi and Ronaldo' – but it now looks as though that could potentially be on the cards.