Cristiano Ronaldo makes ‘very difficult’ Lionel Messi claim with time running out

Cristiano Ronaldo’s deal with Al Nassr and the Portugal legend has been asked about the prospect of playing against Inter Miami star Lionel Messi before the end of his career

Cristiano Ronaldo has not ruled out playing alongside long-time rival Lionel Messi before the end of his career, but has admitted it would be very difficult to do so, with time running out. The former Real Madrid and Manchester United superstar is set to see his contract with Al Nassr expire at the end of the month.

Both Ronaldo, 40, and Messi, 37, are likely in the twilight years of their careers with the former playing in the Saudi Pro League and the latter in Major League Soccer with Inter Miami. Nevertheless Ronaldo finished as top goalscorer in his division, while Messi has 10 goals in his 12 starts this season.

Seeing the GOAT contenders playing in the same colours appears unlikely even with Ronaldo possibly eyeing a fresh move however. Although, the ex-Juventus sharpshooter did find some interest from Argentina ahead of the Club World Cup in the United States.

It is clear Ronaldo has respect for the nation and his adversary however. Asked about the prospect, Ronaldo provided a thoughtful answer.

“You know I have a lot of affection for Argentina, my wife is from there,” Ronaldo replied. “I have already been invited to play in the Club World Cup for an Argentine club.

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“You never know… the time is there. I am already 40 years old, but you never know. But I think it is very difficult. I have never been to Argentina, I want to go, I have a lot of affection for the Argentines.

“And I have affection for Messi, we were rivals for many years, but I have already said that we were in that scenario for 15 years and I remember that before he didn’t speak any English, I don’t know if he does now. And I translated for him when they explained to us what we had to do at a gala.

“I have affection for him, he has always treated me well and respected me as I respect him. I find it very difficult, but you never know.”

With less than a month remaining on Ronaldo’s deal, there has been no shortage of speculation over his next step. To some degree, there was an expectation a deal would be set up to see him play in the Club World Cup, but Ronaldo has now suggested the possibility of that is noow over.

“It’s irrelevant, at this moment it doesn’t make sense to talk about other things other than the national team,” he said. “There have been a lot of contacts, I see things that make sense, others that don’t, as the other guy says, you can’t go to everything, you have to think short, medium and long term.

“It’s a decision that has practically been made on my part, which is not to go to the Club World Cup, but I’ve had a lot of invitations.”

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