Cristiano Ronaldo may still play in the FIFA Club World Cup, with a surprising deal that could see him join Inter Miami and play alongside Lionel Messi for the first time.
Ronaldo is currently with Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, but his historic contract there is ending soon, and no extension has been agreed upon yet. It’s expected that his time in the Middle East will be extended.
However, some reports suggest he could first sign a short-term deal with a team in the Club World Cup. Ronaldo, a five-time Ballon d’Or winner, reportedly wants to play in the expanded FIFA event in the U.S. before returning to Saudi Arabia.
Inter Miami, who received a special invitation, will compete in the 32-team Club World Cup starting on June 14. Although the club already has Messi, they are open to the idea of pairing him with Ronaldo, although no deals are in place yet.
Reports say Inter Miami has the financial flexibility to sign Ronaldo, with co-owner David Beckham possibly bringing the former Manchester United star to the club. If a deal happens, it would capture global attention.
Although Messi and Ronaldo have never played for the same team, they’ve faced each other 36 times, mostly during the intense El Clasico rivalry between Barcelona and Real Madrid.
However, the idea of Ronaldo joining Messi at Inter Miami seems unlikely. The Saudi club wants Ronaldo to renew his contract and stay for a few more years. Some reports confirm that he is set to extend his contract for another year.
Al-Nassr didn’t qualify for the FIFA Club World Cup after failing to win the AFC Champions League last year, but Ronaldo has won that trophy three times with Real Madrid.
