We could see two longtime rivals and soccer GOATS Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo play together in Saudi Pro League after the Argentinian is said to be close to an exit in the summer.
Lionel Messi’s contract with Paris Saint Germain will expire this June and rumors suggest he is now closer to leaving the club rather than signing a contract extension. As a result, a number of clubs are now interested in signing the World Cup-winning captain. Previously it was thought that a verbal agreement had been reached between both parties but Messi apparently wants a change after winning the Qatar World Cup in December last year.
🚨 Leo Messi is currently NOT favoring a contract extension with PSG. ❌🇦🇷
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) February 13, 2023
(Source: @footmercato) pic.twitter.com/D6C6VmTnII
Messi will have a lot of clubs vying for his signature. It is said that a return to Barcelona and a move to David Beckham’s Inter Miami are possible. Another is a potential move to the Saudi Pro League as Messi is already an ambassador for the country for its tourism industry. He has also previously stated he would like to play with Ronaldo one day.
In 2015 he was asked whether he would like to play with Ronaldo one day. He said, “Yes, of course. I always like to play with the best, and he is one of them. I think it will be difficult for us to play in the same team, but obviously, I would like to. I was lucky enough to play and participate with many very good players and, obviously, I would also like to do it with him.”
Ronaldo joined Saudi outfit Al Nassr in January after mutually terminating his contract with Manchester United in November after being at odds with the club hierarchy and manager Erik Ten Haag. He now earns around £173 million, making him the best-paid soccer player in the world.
