Messi and Ronaldo to Reunite in Saudi Arabia?
Football fans worldwide have lived through the golden era of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo for nearly two decades. They didn’t just redefine excellence; they made it personal. From countless El Clásicos to neck-and-neck Ballon d’Or races, the Messi-Ronaldo rivalry became the heartbeat of modern football. Now, there’s growing buzz that the two icons might share a league again, not in Europe, but in the ever-ambitious Saudi Pro League.
According to reports from TEAMtalk, the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF) has reopened talks with Messi’s camp. It’s not just a casual check-in either. The interest is serious, even if “nothing is advanced yet.” The PIF reportedly wants to “understand Messi’s intentions,” especially as his current deal with Inter Miami edges closer to its end.
Messi Nearly Went to Saudi Arabia in 2023
If you’re wondering why Messi might even consider this move, it’s worth remembering that Saudi Arabia was already a strong contender for his signature once before. When he left Paris Saint-Germain in 2023, Messi thought about moving to the Middle East. It was nearly a done deal.That contract in South Florida expires at the end of the 2025 MLS season. While Inter Miami has a 12-month extension option, it hasn’t been triggered yet, meaning Messi could be free to negotiate with other clubs starting as early as July 1.
“I was thinking a lot about going to the Saudi league,” Messi told TIME Magazine in a revealing interview. “I know the country, and they have created a very powerful competition that can become an important league in the near future.”He didn’t stop there. “As the country’s tourism ambassador, it was a destination that attracted me, especially because I’ve enjoyed everything I have visited, because of how football is growing in the country, and because of the effort they are putting into creating a top competition.
It was Saudi Arabia or MLS, and both options seemed very interesting to me.”Ultimately, he chose MLS, and since arriving at Inter Miami, he’s added more individual accolades to his name while helping transform football culture in the United States. But now, as Saudi Arabia’s football revolution continues to gather pace, the temptation is back on the table.
A League Hungry for Legends
Should Messi decide to leap this time, he’ll join a league quickly rewriting its own narrative. The Saudi Pro League has already lured the likes of Karim Benzema, Neymar, N’Golo Kanté, and Cristiano Ronaldo, who remains the most prominent figure in the division at Al-Nassr.
If Messi joins, it’s unclear which club would be his destination. Al-Nassr, Al-Hilal, Al-Ahli, and Al-Ittihad are all owned by the PIF and all boast the financial power to make it happen. It would take more than just a big paycheck to convince Messi. The lifestyle, project, and footballing ambitions will all play their part.
More importantly, it would bring the world’s greatest footballing rivalry back to life. Imagine a Riyadh Derby featuring Ronaldo and Messi squaring off again. Imagine a league match between Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr with both legends starting on opposite sides. Imagine both of them playing together…. Suddenly, it will possibly overshadow everything in the world of sports.
What About Ronaldo?
While the focus is now on Messi, it’s worth noting that Cristiano Ronaldo isn’t locked into a long-term future either. There has been speculation about his next move, whether he will stay in Saudi Arabia, return to Europe, or even retire. But if Messi arrives, you can bet Ronaldo would relish the challenge of sharing a league with his eternal rival again. These two still bring value on and off the pitch. They remain top earners, massive commercial draws, and, at times, match-winners.
Final Thoughts
There’s no deal yet, but the door is undeniably open. Saudi Arabia is serious. Messi’s contract situation is fluid, and the football world is watching. What once felt like a closed chapter might be getting a bonus edition. Messi and Ronaldo might be reunited not in Barcelona or Real Madrid but in the heart of the Middle East. If this happens, it won’t just be a win for the Saudi Pro League; it’ll be a gift for every football fan still craving one more round of history between the two greatest players of all time.
