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Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Argentine icon in MLS</li><li>CR7 settled in Middle East</li><li>Unlikely to grace same team</li></ul>

Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard ‘dreaming’ of Lionel Messi transfer that reunites Inter Miami superstar with eternal rival Cristiano Ronaldo in Saudi Pro League

Portuguese superstar Ronaldo made his way to the Middle East at Al-Nassr in 2023, shortly after being <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/ronaldo-on-purpose-man-utd-exit-strategy-stam-handled-better/blt9b32129c6b01c4a3" target="_blank">released by Premier League giants Manchester United</a> as a free agent. Messi was <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/explained-why-lionel-messi-didnt-follow-cristiano-ronaldo-saudi-arabia-sergio-aguero-inter-miami-transfer/blt8f025ee8649f73aa " target="_blank">given the opportunity to tread a similar path</a> that summer when severing ties with Ligue 1 heavyweights Paris Saint-Germain.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Messi opted against following the lead of eternal rival Ronaldo, with the Argentine instead linking up with ex-England captain David Beckham at MLS side Inter Miami. Gerrard, though, is clinging to the hope that <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/cristiano-ronaldo-lionel-messi-finish-careers-portugal-team-mate-speculates-inter-miami-transfer/blt2ce7fdf791936677" target="_blank">Messi may yet be lured to Saudi Arabia</a>. The current Al-Ettifaq boss has told <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnqKM1KHxBoSiKTekOBBamA " target="_blank">MBC Masr 2</a>: “It’s a dream for me to have Messi at Al-Ettifaq. He is an incredible player and would be a great asset for the club. I know it’s difficult for him to move to Saudi Arabia, but there’s nothing wrong with dreaming.”

WHAT GERRARD SAID

Former Liverpool skipper Gerrard, who moved to Dammam in July 2023, added on the <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/lionel-messi-vs-cristiano-ronaldo-ex-barcelona-portugal-star-deco-diplomatic-ideal-world-answer-goat-debate/bltd40c84d158ed2236" target="_blank">long-running GOAT debate</a> that continues to divide world football: “Both Cristiano and Messi are incredible players with incredible stories in football. Ronaldo is a great individual goal-scorer, while Messi is a more complete team player. I can’t really choose between them, they are both legends.”

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Messi and Ronaldo have never played together at club level, with many of their battles taking place will filling spots on opposing sides of the Clasico divide at Barcelona and Real Madrid. Time is running out for them to be team-mates, with CR7 now 39 years of age and both men <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/lionel-messi-inter-miami-contract-wages-cristiano-ronaldo/blt11e2d05b108b1895" target="_blank">working on contracts that are due to expire in 2025</a> – although <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/contract-extension-cristiano-ronaldo-40-al-nassr-superstar-prolong-62-goal-stint-saudi-arabia/blt9b5fe85776a669ee" target="_blank">extensions to their remarkable playing careers</a> are expected beyond that point.

WHAT NEXT?

Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard ‘dreaming’ of Lionel Messi transfer that reunites Inter Miami superstar with eternal rival Cristiano Ronaldo in Saudi Pro League | Goal.com

Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard is still “dreaming” of a transfer that would reunite Lionel Messi with Cristiano Ronaldo in the Saudi Pro League.