Cristiano Ronaldo is reportedly trying his best to scupper plans that would benefit Lionel Messi
Manchester United's Casemiro waves to the crowd
Casemiro is still deciding where he will play his football beyond this summer(Image: PA)
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Cristiano Ronaldo is reportedly trying to convince Manchester United star Casemiro to join his Al-Nassr side over Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami this summer. Casemiro, 34, announced in January that he will be leaving United at the end of this season after four years at Old Trafford.
The Red Devils decided not to trigger the 12-month extension in the Brazilian’s four-year contract due to his mammoth £350,000-per-week wages, which they are eager to cut from their wage bill. It emerged last week that one of Casemiro’s potential destinations is Inter Miami, given the MLS side’s recent interest in him.
The opportunity to play with Messi in the United States will undoubtedly be a tantalising prospect for the five-time Champions League winner. But Casemiro’s former Real Madrid team-mate Ronaldo is now reportedly trying to prevent that move from happening.
Spanish publication Marca claims Ronaldo is attempting to persuade Casemiro to snub Messi and instead join the United legend in Saudi Arabia. Ronaldo signed for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League in January 2023, becoming the highest-paid player on the planet.
The Portuguese made the switch from Old Trafford to the Middle East himself after a bitter falling out with then-manager Erik ten Hag and club bosses. Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr currently lead the Saudi top flight in what could be his first league title success with the club, though he is currently out of action with a hamstring injury.
Messi, meanwhile, has extended his contract with Inter Miami until 2028. Should he join the Argentine, Casemiro would have a key role in midfield following the retirement of Sergio Busquets last year.
The franchise, part-owned by another United icon, David Beckham, had initially thought a summer move to be impossible given Casemiro’s huge salary and the MLS’ financial rules.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have a wealth of respect for one another but have said they are not friends
Cristiano Ronaldo is trying to get his former team-mate to sign for Al-Nassr instead of joining Lionel Messi(Image: Yasser Bakhsh, Getty Images)
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But the Brazilian veteran is believed to have enjoyed his recent family holiday to Miami and has reportedly told friends he would like the idea of living there. He would need to make compromises if he wants to play in the MLS, however, while Al-Nassr are capable of offering a more lucrative pay packet.
Casemiro is currently enjoying arguably his best season at United, having scored seven goals and assisted twice in 30 appearances. His impact across his 28 league starts has been tremendous, with Michael Carrick’s side in third place and on the verge of Champions League qualification.
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