Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi reunion truth amid FIFA Club World Cup speculation - Manchester Evening News

Reports circulating this week about Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi potentially joining forces at this summer's FIFA Club World Cup are completely unfounded, according to multiple sources.

Fans have long celebrated the fierce rivalry between the two legends, who dominated European football for over a decade. However, both players have entered the final stages of their careers, and neither is currently active in Europe’s top competitions. Following a relatively underwhelming period at Paris Saint-Germain between 2021 and 2023, Lionel Messi has since transitioned to playing in Major League Soccer with Inter Miami. Cristiano Ronaldo, meanwhile, had a brief return to Manchester United before moving to Al-Nassr in 2023, where he currently plies his trade in the Saudi Pro League. With Ronaldo’s contract at Al-Nassr expiring later this year, speculation about his future has been rife.

The rumors suggesting that the two stars could eventually play together emerged after news broke that the FIFA Club World Cup will be held in the United States in June and July. Early reports even hinted that Ronaldo might join Al Hilal ahead of the tournament, potentially setting the stage for a high-profile reunion with Messi at Inter Miami. However, those claims were quickly refuted by Al Hilal. Now, further speculation linking Ronaldo to a move to Inter Miami has also surfaced, but this too appears to be entirely baseless.

Renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano, known for his accurate transfer reporting, took to Instagram to categorically dismiss the latest rumors. In his post, Romano stated, "Reports on Cristiano Ronaldo and Leo Messi playing together at Inter Miami for the FIFA Club World Cup are 100% fake and completely off the mark. There are no contacts, negotiations, talks, or even any chances – all parties involved are dismissing these reports coming out of the UK. Leo Messi will continue to play regularly in the Club World Cup with Inter Miami, and Cristiano is not in talks to join the MLS club."

Romano’s blunt dismissal underscores the reality that while speculation and rumor-mongering continue in football’s transfer market, there is no substantive evidence to support a scenario in which Ronaldo and Messi share a club shirt. For now, both players appear to be firmly rooted in their current situations: Messi is committed to his role at Inter Miami, while Ronaldo remains with Al-Nassr, even as his future remains a subject of intense media scrutiny.

Inter Miami, Messi’s current club, has enjoyed a strong start to the 2025 MLS season, winning three of their first four matches. Last season, they finished atop the Eastern Conference, although their playoff run ended in disappointment when they were eliminated by Atalanta United in a best-of-three series. The club’s current form and ambitions have fueled continuous speculation about its future signings, but the idea of signing Cristiano Ronaldo, as some reports suggested, appears to be nothing more than wishful thinking.

Meanwhile, in Saudi Arabia, Al-Nassr, the club that welcomed Ronaldo in 2023, finds itself in third place in the Saudi Pro League, with nine games remaining in the season. Despite Ronaldo’s marquee arrival, the team has yet to capture a league title, falling 14 points behind champions Al-Hilal last season. The lack of silverware remains a point of concern for the club and its supporters, but the situation does not seem to be influencing any potential transfer moves involving Ronaldo at this time.

For now, both football icons appear set on following their individual paths. Messi’s move to the MLS has already injected fresh enthusiasm into American soccer, while Ronaldo’s tenure in the Middle East continues to attract attention. Although fans everywhere would relish the idea of witnessing these two giants share the same pitch again, current reports indicate that such a scenario is unlikely to materialize at the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup.

The ongoing media buzz is a testament to the enduring appeal of Ronaldo and Messi. Even as their careers wind down, the global fascination with their rivalry and individual legacies persists. Both players have left an indelible mark on the sport, and while the prospect of them playing together again might be a tantalizing fantasy for many, the reality remains that their paths are diverging.

As the football season unfolds, enthusiasts will continue to monitor every twist and turn in the transfer saga. Yet, as of now, there is no credible evidence to suggest that Cristiano Ronaldo will be joining Inter Miami or any other club where he might team up with Lionel Messi. For fans, the hope is that both superstars continue to deliver memorable performances in their respective leagues, further cementing their legendary status in the annals of football history.