Cristiano Ronaldo may yet feature in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, despite his current club, Al Nassr, failing to qualify—thanks to a surprising suggestion from none other than FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
In a recent conversation with American streamer iShowSpeed, Infantino floated the possibility of the Portuguese icon joining another side for the expanded 32-team tournament, which kicks off on June 14 in the United States.
“Cristiano could play in the Club World Cup; there have been talks,” Infantino said. “If any club is looking and wants to sign him, who knows? There are a few weeks left; it’s going to be fun.”
He went further, hinting at a dream scenario for football fans: Ronaldo and Lionel Messi playing together.
“I would love to see them play together. Can you imagine if they played on the same team during the tournament? It would be something special.”
The comments have reignited speculation linking Ronaldo to a sensational move to Inter Miami, with reports suggesting club co-owner David Beckham is keen to reunite the two footballing greats. Messi, currently starring for the MLS side, is said to have given his blessing to the idea. Real Madrid legend Luka Modric has also been linked with a potential switch to Miami, heightening expectations of a fantasy line-up.
Inter Miami, who secured Club World Cup qualification by topping the MLS regular season standings, begin their campaign against Egyptian champions Al Ahly on 14 June. They will then face FC Porto on 19 June before concluding their group stage with a clash against Palmeiras on 23 June.
Meanwhile, Ronaldo returned to Al Nassr’s starting XI on Wednesday following a brief absence that had fuelled speculation over his future. The 40-year-old netted a stoppage-time penalty to seal a 2-0 win over Al Khaleej in the Saudi Pro League, inching closer to the elusive 1,000-goal milestone.
However, uncertainty looms over his future in Riyadh. With Al Nassr failing to win the league or qualify for next season’s AFC Champions League, and with Ronaldo’s lucrative contract drawing scrutiny, his days in Saudi Arabia may be numbered. The impending loss of tax benefits—available only during a player’s first two years in the country—is also likely to complicate any extension talks.
As speculation builds, Ronaldo has been linked with a host of possible destinations. Brazilian powerhouses Palmeiras, Flamengo, Fluminense, and Botafogo have all reportedly expressed interest, while a sentimental return to his boyhood club, Sporting Lisbon—who have qualified for the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League—is also on the cards.
As the countdown to the Club World Cup ticks on, Ronaldo’s next move remains one of football’s biggest unanswered questions—one that could yet see him share the pitch with Messi in a final, unthinkable act of sporting theatre.