2 Reasons Why Al Nassr vs Inter Miami Won’t Be Cristiano Ronaldo & Lionel Messi’s ‘Last Dance’

Soccer fans never miss a moment when it comes to Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. While there was a time when they faced each other regularly, it has now become a once-in-a-blue-moon affair, as the two all-time greats have chosen different career paths. However, it seems that even fate wants these stars of the beautiful game to continue facing each other.

Who would have thought that Messi at Inter Miami and Ronaldo at Al Nassr would provide them with a chance to relive their old days? Certainly, no one gave it a thought when the two last faced each other during PSG vs. Al Nassr. Like with the previous game, fans think this could be the last time the 2 legends faced each other. But there are two reasons why there could be more to come.

Possibility of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo to extend their stays 

This is the most obvious reason to see Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo face each other again. The two are certainly set to stay with their respective domestic sides for another year and fulfil their contracts. Hence, if this year’s face-off between the two goes successfully, which, of course, it will be, it’s fait accompli that David Beckham’s franchise and Saudi Arabian side will be back with another bang next year. 

Likewise, scheduling a Messi vs. Ronaldo match in the present era is akin to striking gold. Beyond the sheer entertainment value, it offers significant financial advantages, letting both clubs roll in dough. Notably, CR7’s contract with Al Nassr is until the summer of 2025, and La Pulga’s deal ends at the end of the same year. This means there can be more than just one match. 

When PSG vs Riyadh All-Stars happened last year, it was a monumental affair. With the viewership numbers breaking past a million, the whole world had its eyes on what most fans thought was the last time the two would face each other. When they played in the La Liga, seeing the two share the pitch was guaranteed courtesy of the El Clasico. But since Ronaldo had departed Real Madrid for Juventus, the ‘Messi vs Ronaldo’ occurrence became rare. PSG vs Riyadh All-Stars (players from Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr) was their 37th meeting. Now in less than 2 weeks, the world will see them face off yet again when Inter-Miami face Al-Nassr.

Now fans may think this could be the last dance. First, because they play in 2 very different leagues in different parts of the world; North America and Saudi Arabia. And second, they’re both at the tail end of their careers. Ronaldo even recently addressed matters of retirement. Yet, they could meet once more, thanks to the FIFA Club World Cup.

Inter Miami and Al Nassr can compete in the FIFA Club World Cup 

While Cristiano Ronaldo is competing in the current Asian Champions League, Messi will be leading his side in the CONCACAF Champions League in the forthcoming season. Hence, if both legendary superstars manage to win these respective tournaments with their sides, they can directly qualify for the FIFA Club World Cup. 

Read More: Cristiano Ronaldo Injury Update: Al Nassr Star Can Miss 3 Games’ Putting ‘Last Dance’ With Lionel Messi & Inter Miami in Danger

Be it the group stages or the knockout rounds, both can face each other and rally for the prestigious trophy. Yet, the only condition here is that they go till the end. Interestingly, the North American Champions League in which Messi will play is expected to be less competitive than the Asian Champions League in which Ronaldo is currently competing. Nevertheless, there’s still time for that to happen. 

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