Pedro Mendes, who used to play for Portugal alongside Ronaldo, claimed the forward will make a move to link up with fellow Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi at Inter Miami.
This concept would be one fans of football have been dreaming of, the collision that united two of all time greatest players for a final bow.
WHAT MENDES SAID
Mendes told BoyleSports: “Cristiano to Inter Miami would be fantastic for the fans but also American football. This would in turn spell the end of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi as footballers, allowing time for debate to change over who is the best player ever with both facing retirement together. But I really don’t see that happening. It would be very difficult.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Football has been owned by Messi and Ronaldo for more than 20 years. In total, they have 13 Ballon d’Or between them and nine Champions Leagues, as well as a staggering 76 titles. In total, 1732 goals have been scored by the group.
The rivalry between the two has been one of football’s great narratives in recent years, so naturally: opposing forces coming together sounds very interesting.
WHAT NEXT FOR MESSI AND RONALDO?
As much as the idea of Ronaldo and Messi teaming-up one day may be appealing, it is equally improbable. Ronaldo is currently also being used in Saudi Arabia by Al-Nassr, after leaving the Euros on a downbeat note.
Messi, of course, is with Argentina at the Copa America hoping to win his fourth title.
As their playing days come to an end, fans will have them forever etched in our individual memories of what they did for the sport.
The possibility of these two believers coming together on a single squad seems like an impossibility, but man it’s fun to think about if you love football.
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