Cristiano Ronaldo receives new transfer option to emulate Lionel Messi after Chelsea reject chance to sign him: Reports
Cristiano Ronaldo has received an option to reinvigorate his rivalry with Lionel Messi in the MLS, according to Football 365. The Portuguese superstar's contract with Al-Nassr expires at the end of the season, but he hasn't signed a new deal yet.
The situation has added to speculation about his future. Recent reports have stated that CR7 has demanded that Al-Nassr sign Casemiro for him to agree an extension.
Cristiano Ronaldo is apparently eyeing a move back to Europe, and it has been suggested that he has offered himself to Chelsea. However, the Blues have apparently turned him down to due his age and massive wages.
As things stand, CR7 has two options on the table. The Portuguese could either extend his stay with Al-Nassr or move to the US for a new adventure.
Lionel Messi, of course, is in the MLS and has been a huge hit with Inter Miami. Interestingly, the Argentinean's contract with the Herons also expires at the end of the season, but he's yet to sign a new deal.
Nevertheless, with both superstars in the final phases of their career, the prospect of watching them face eachother in a new league is likely to get supporters excited. Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have pushed each other to the limits of excellence in the past decade and a half. La Pulga went head to head with CR7 on 36 occasions for club and country, winning 16 games and losing 11.
How have Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi fared since leaving Europe?
Cristiano Ronaldo ended his European adventure in December 2022, when he parted ways with Manchester United to join Al-Nassr. Six months later, Lionel Messi left Paris Saint-Germain as a free agent and moved across the Atlantic.
La Pulga apparently had the opportunity to move to Saudi Arabia but opted to join the MLS instead. The Argentinean has since been a huge hit with the Florida-based club.
The 37-year-old has helped the Herons win their first two trophies, the League Cup in 2023 and the Supporters Shield last year. He has scored 34 goals and set up 18 in 39 games across competitions for Inter Miami.
CR7, meanwhile, won the Arab Club Champions Cup with Al-Nassr in 2023. The Portuguese has registered 74 goals and 18 assists from 83 games for the Saudi club.
