'It could be a great story' - Cristiano Ronaldo reunion with Lionel Messi in MLS talked up despite CR7 nearing world-record contract agreement with Al-Nassr

Eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi has been in the United States since walking away from Paris Saint-Germain as a free agent in the summer of 2023. Manchester United and Real Madrid legend Ronaldo bid farewell to European football a few months earlier when linking up with Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr.

CR7, who has five Golden Balls to his name, is approaching the end of his contract in the Middle East. He is, however, reportedly set to agree a record-breaking extension that will take him through to 2026 and the next World Cup finals.

Argentine icon Messi is mulling over a similar commitment in America, with there a 12-month option in his deal with Inter Miami, but there has been talk of his path potentially crossing with eternal rival Ronaldo again at some stage – following their previous battles in El Clasico.

Ex-Germany international Hamann, who faced Ronaldo during the Portuguese’s first spell at Old Trafford, has told BestOffshoreSportsBooks.org of what the future could hold: "We’ve seen that Cristiano Ronaldo’s powers are coming to an end, he is getting towards the end of his career so a move back to Europe might not be the best idea.

"I think a move to America would make sense but he’d have to do what Lionel Messi has done and impress on the pitch if he is to be a megastar out there. He might not be capable of doing that in Europe anymore but in America they love to be entertained no matter the sport, it could be a great story."

There is no sign of Messi or Ronaldo bringing their respective careers to a close any time soon, despite the latter approaching his 40th birthday and the former set to turn 38 in the summer of 2025. They still have targets to chase down with club and country, meaning that they could grace the same pitch again.