Lionel Messi has previously shared a desire to team up with Cristiano Ronaldo, but it seems the pair are fated to remain adversaries. The two football legends have been pitted against each other for nearly two decades, sparking one of the sport's most heated debates over who is the superior player.
Messi, 37, began his career at Barcelona in 2003 and spent 18 years there before making a free transfer to PSG in 2021. During his tenure in La Liga, the Argentinian superstar clinched ten league titles, 14 domestic cups, and four Champions Leagues - netting 672 goals and providing 303 assists in 778 matches.
The striker also scooped seven Ballon d'Or awards during his Barcelona stint, cementing his status as one of the club's all-time greats. However, Messi's accolades with the Catalan giants were hard-fought, battling Ronaldo and Real Madrid in an intense rivalry from 2009 to 2018.
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While Ronaldo's haul of two league titles, four domestic cups and four Champions League trophies with Los Blancos may seem modest compared to Messi's Barcelona record, the 39-year-old's impressive tally of 450 goals and 131 assists in 438 games is testament to his prowess.
The perennial debate among football aficionados as to who reigns supreme - Messi or Ronaldo - often defies any definitive answer, especially considering the five Ballon d'Or accolades Ronaldo also has tucked under is belt. Although the two have consistently rivalled each other on the pitch, representing both club and country, Messi once entertained the idea of forming an alliance with Ronaldo in a professional capacity, reports the Mirror.
In a 2022 interview discussing the possibility of playing alongside Ronaldo, Messi said: "Yes, of course. I always like to play with the best, and he is one of them. I think it will be difficult for us to play in the same team, but obviously I would like to. I was lucky enough to play and participate with many very good players and, obviously, I would also like to do it with him."
The Argentine wizard had already synced up with his former Real Madrid adversary Sergio Ramos at PSG, bagging two Ligue 1 titles and a Trophee des Champions prior to his transfer to Inter Miami in 2023. Ronaldo charted his own unique journey post-Madrid, signing with Juventus in 2018.
After three years in Serie A, he made a poignant return to Manchester United the very club where his legendary status was first cemented. As Messi set sail for Inter Miami, Ronaldo joined Saudi Pro League's Al-Nassr almost concurrently. With Ronaldo's commitment to Al-Nassr lasting until June 2025, and Messi tied to his U.S. venture till the upcoming December, it's growing increasingly clear that the dream duo won't be donning the same jersey anytime soon.
Meanwhile, a colossal wage bill could pose a significant obstacle to Messi and Ronaldo joining forces at the same club. Last year, it was suggested that Inter Miami were considering offering Messi a base salary ranging from £40m to £46m, while Ronaldo is believed to be raking in approximately £177m annually from Al-Nassr.
As both football legends near the end of their illustrious careers, time is running out for them to unite on the pitch - and regrettably, a dream team may remain an elusive fantasy for football enthusiasts worldwide.
