How Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi Could Meet Again This Summer

Messi and Inter Miami will be playing the FIFA Club World Cup in the U.S., as they are one of 32 participating clubs in the summer tournament. 

Ronaldo's Al Nassr will not be playing in the tournament as the team did not win the AFC Champions League over the last four years. While the Saudi Arabian club is guaranteed not to participate in the competition this summer, Ronaldo could still be a part of it.

According to a Marca reporter, Jose Felix Diaz, Ronaldo is open to playing in the competition this summer for another team. It is not only Ronaldo's interest to play in this newly created tournament, but the organizers themselves want him to be involved.

Jose Felix Diaz: "FIFA wants Cristiano Ronaldo to participate in the Club World Cup in the United States. With Al Nassr absent from the tournament, Ronaldo has not ruled out the idea of ​​moving to another team during the event.”

Cristiano Ronaldo leaving Al Nassr?

Despite the rumors of Ronaldo participating in the FIFA Club World Cup with another team, more reports suggest his time at Al Nassr is ending. The Mail Sport reports that Ronaldo's future at Al Nassr is 'in doubt' as contract negotiations are put 'on hold'. His contract with Al Nassr expires on June 30th, 2025. 

Ronaldo joining another Saudi Pro League club is not ruled out, according to the report. This could be key for Ronaldo's participation at the Club World Cup this summer due to the special transfer window FIFA proposes from June 1st to June 10th. 

The only Saudi Arabian club in the tournament is Al Hilal, a rival of Al Nassr. Another rumor surrounding which team Ronaldo could join is Palmeiras; the Brazilian team is in the same group as Messi's Inter Miami. This rumor was denied by the club president of Palmeiras, Leila Pereira. 

If Ronaldo decides not to continue at Al Nassr and looks for a team to play for at the FIFA Club World Cup, more rumors of clubs interested will occur in the next few weeks. 

Al Nassr's trophy drought with Ronaldo

Ronaldo joined Al Nassr in 2023 and, since then, has not found luck in winning major trophies for the Saudi Arabian club. Al Nassr finished second in the 2022-23 season, where Ronaldo played the second part of that campaign. In his first full season [2023-24], Ronaldo and Al Nassr finished second again, 14 points behind league winners Al Hilal.

This season, Al Nassr has dropped lower in the league standings, as they are currently 4th after 30 games, risking their chance to qualify for the AFC Champions League next season. 

They were knocked out of the AFC Champions League semifinal this season against the Japanese team Kawasaki Frontale, losing 3-2 at home. Losing out on trophies constantly, Ronaldo's frustration could lead to him deciding not to extend his stay at Al Nassr for another season, hence joining a club that will play in the FIFA Club World Cup.