Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are to be reunited in the Middle East, according to one report
(Image credit: David Ramos - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
Lionel Messi could be about to leave Europe for a stint in the Middle East – playing against long-time frenemy, Cristiano Ronaldo.
That's the incredible claim coming from El Chiringuito, who say that the World Cup winner has not "ruled out" the opportunity to make the move. Messi has linked up with Saudi Arabia in the past, courting controversy to become an ambassador for the Gulf State.
With the Middle Eastern nation planning things in football, it seems as if the No.10 could join Ronaldo to become the centrepiece of a new project.
Lionel Messi is approaching the end of his PSG contract (Image credit: Getty Images)
Egypt, Greece, and Saudi Arabia have confirmed a joint bid for the 2030 World Cup, which like the 2022 edition of the tournament, could well be staged during the winter, due to climate concerns.
Many have labelled the bid part of a larger football sportswashing campaign, however, which has already seen the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia take over Newcastle United, their tourism board sponsoring the 2023 Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, their hosting of the 2023 Club World Cup, and Cristiano Ronaldo signing for Al Nassr this year.
There is, however, the obstacle that Saudi Arabia is a member of the AFC. The rotation of the World Cup prevents nations in the Asian federation from hosting World Cup until 2034.
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Messi could earn far more than Cristiano Ronaldo if he joins him in the Middle East (Image credit: Getty Images)
The future of Paris Saint-Germain star Messi is still up in the air with his contract set to expire in the summer. Barcelona are said to be keen on bringing him back to Camp Nou for a homecoming, while Major League Soccer could launch their own bid.
Mark White has been at on FourFourTwo since joining in January 2020, first as a staff writer before becoming content editor in 2023. An encyclopedia of football shirts and boots knowledge – both past and present – Mark has also represented FFT at both FA Cup and League Cup finals (though didn't receive a winners' medal on either occasion) and has written pieces for the mag ranging on subjects from Bobby Robson's season at Barcelona to Robinho's career. He has written cover features for the mag on Mikel Arteta and Martin Odegaard, and is assisted by his cat, Rosie, who has interned for the brand since lockdown.
