Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi to Play Together? Al Nassr captain says 'I have a lot of Affection...'

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For over 15 years, football's greatest rivalry unfolded between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi - two titans who dominated the sport, rewrote history books, and redefined greatness.

From the thunderous nights at the Santiago Bernabeu to the majestic displays at Camp Nou, their personal duel in La Liga enthralled millions and elevated football's global appeal to unprecedented heights.

But behind the fiery competitiveness, there has always been respect. That respect has now grown into a friendship marked by warmth, mutual admiration, and perhaps, a hint of wonder about what could have been.

With the Club World Cup 2025 looming as a mega event in the global football calendar, Lionel Messi will be present, having led Inter Miami to qualification via the 2024 MLS Supporters' Shield - a berth granted to the host nation's top team. Cristiano Ronaldo, however, will not be there, as Al Nassr fell short of the required qualifications.

But will the world ever see Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi playing together? If one imagines a scene, the possibility of Cristiano and Lionel playing together for the same team is probably the ultimate dream for a football romantic. And recently, the former Real Madrid star opened up on the possibility of that elusive dream.

While speaking about the tournament and the idea of possibly teaming up with Messi in the future, Ronaldo, now 37, offered a rare moment of reflection and sentiment.

"You never know. You know I have a lot of affection for Argentina, my wife is Argentinian," Ronaldo said when asked about the possibility of playing with Messi before retirement.

"You can never say, 'I won't drink from this water', but it's difficult. I want to go to Argentina, I have a lot of affection for the Argentinians and for Messi. We were rivals for many years, for 15 years. I used to translate for him at the galas, I'm very fond of him, he's always respected me and I him," he added.

Ronaldo was linked with a move away from Al Nassr as there were significant links with clubs that are featuring in the Club World Cup. But the Portugal international confirmed he is not going to be part of the competition. The 40-year-old is preparing for the Nations League Final as Portugal take on Spain on Sunday (June 9).