It looks like we won’t get to see a rematch between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi this summer.
Al Hilal CEO Esteve Caldaza has confirmed that the club will not pursue Ronaldo ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup. The legend is approaching the end of his contract with Al Nassr, who did not qualify for the international tournament.
Some fans hoped the clubs could make a deal work to ensure the Saudi Pro League looks its best on the international stage. While several clubs have spent big money to bring stars to the small league, it has yet to achieve the global reputation it is hoping for.
With Ronaldo set on staying with Al Nassr, it appears Al Hilal will need to use its already impressive roster to make a statement this summer.
PIF at the Center of Rumors
While the rumors around Cristiano Ronaldo seemed to be too far-fetched, it seemed that there was a path for the two Saudi clubs to make a deal. That is because the Saudi Public Investment Fund owns both Al Hilal and Al Nassr. This would have theoretically allowed them to move the star without complicated transfer negotiations, ensuring he would be ready in time for the club’s first tournament games.
As stories like these unfold, fans often track developments not only for club news but also in related industries like Legal Betting Sites, where speculation around player moves and team performances can influence odds and discussions.
While the PIF has done whatever it can to promote Saudi sports, this kind of move may have done more damage than good. A last-minute transfer would prompt many fans to question the legitimacy of the league, just as it is trying to win them over.
It’s possible the PIF’s refusal to move Ronaldo between their clubs is a result of the failure of LIV Golf. The fund created the big-money league and added the PGA’s top stars, but ended up drawing a mostly negative reaction from fans. It has led to the fund’s reputation taking a hit, with many believing their money will ruin sports.
Will Rumors Affect Al Hilal Morale?
While the Al Hilal players have been fairly silent on the rumors, their reaction is a significant concern. Denials from the front office were strong, but any athlete or sports fan knows that club executives aren’t reliable sources of information.
The question now is how the players will respond. If they believe the rumors, it would show them that club officials don’t believe in the team that they have. That would include several key players the club has been developing that would take a backseat if Ronaldo had been added. Considering the work these players put in to qualify for the Club World Cup, they would have a right to be upset by a last-minute transfer.
These rumors also take away from the budding rivalry that Al Nassr and Al Hilal have developed. Moving the top star to a team’s biggest rival would have an impact with players and fans, and lead many to question how deep the rivalry truly runs.
No More Messi Matchups?
Cristiano Ronaldo confirmed Caldaza’s statement regarding his potential transfer. The 40-year-old also shared his desire to stay with Al Nassr, signaling he is likely to re-sign with the club once his contract expires.
Ronaldo’s statement is bad news for fans hoping to see him face Messi one last time. The Inter Miami star could potentially be on the move after this season, but also seems far closer to retirement despite being three years younger than his rival. Given that Messi already chose the MLS over the Saudi Pro League once, it seems unlikely he’ll extend his career to play there in 2026.
It seems that both Messi and Ronaldo are planning to play in the 2026 World Cup, but that is far from a guarantee. Ronaldo is likely to make it, but some fans worry Messi may retire before then. Considering he helped lead Argentina to the 2022 World Cup title, it seems plausible the star will choose to go out on top.
A lot can change between now and next summer, but it certainly seems like we may not have another matchup between the sport’s top two stars.