The rivalry between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo is the stuff of legend. For years, these two football titans clashed as the faces of FC Barcelona and Real Madrid, two clubs whose bitter rivalry only amplified the spectacle. With 13 Ballon d’Or awards, nine Champions League trophies, and thousands of goals between them, their competition has fueled endless debates about who reigns supreme. Though their head-to-head battles have faded since their departures from La Liga, a tantalizing possibility has emerged: could Messi and Ronaldo, now in the twilight of their careers, join forces?
Recent reports from CBS Sports have sparked speculation about Ronaldo’s next move as his contract with Al-Nassr nears its end in June 2025. The Portuguese star’s cryptic post on X, stating, “This chapter is over. The story? Still being written. Grateful to all,” has only fueled the rumor mill. With the inaugural 32-club FIFA Club World Cup set to take place in the United States from June 14 to July 13, 2025, there’s a push to ensure Ronaldo’s participation. According to Mike Ryan of the Le Batard Show, FIFA’s leadership is actively encouraging clubs in the tournament to sign Ronaldo, seeing him as a marquee figure to elevate the event’s global appeal. With 24 matches broadcast on TNT and streaming on DAZN in the U.S., FIFA wants the “co-face of a generation” front and center.
Among the clubs competing is Inter Miami, where Messi currently plays. The idea of Ronaldo joining forces with Messi at Inter Miami for the tournament has sent shockwaves through the football world. Brazilian clubs have also been mentioned as potential destinations, but the prospect of these two icons teaming up—transforming from fierce rivals to teammates—would be one of the most jaw-dropping plot twists in sports history.
However, Ryan tempered expectations, stating bluntly, “Inter Miami, no interest.” Despite the allure of forming a superteam with Messi and Ronaldo, it seems Inter Miami isn’t keen on pursuing a short-term loan for the tournament. The notion of these two setting aside their storied rivalry to share a pitch as teammates may remain a fantasy.
Still, the Club World Cup could offer one last chapter in their saga. If Ronaldo signs with one of the other 31 competing teams, fans might witness yet another epic showdown between the two greatest players of their era. Whether as teammates or opponents, the possibility of Messi and Ronaldo crossing paths again is a storyline football fans can’t resist. The question remains: where will Ronaldo’s story take him next?