Cristiano Ronaldo in Contract Talks That Could Impact Messi’s Club World Cup Finale
Cristiano Ronaldo’s next career decision is once again capturing global attention as the legendary Portuguese forward enters negotiations over a potential contract extension with Al-Nassr. With his current deal set to expire at the end of June 2025, speculation about his future has intensified—especially with the looming FIFA Club World Cup on the horizon, where Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami are already confirmed participants.
If Ronaldo stays at Al-Nassr, he will miss the upcoming Club World Cup. However, if he moves to Saudi rivals Al-Hilal—who have reportedly submitted a proposal—the football world could witness one final chapter in the iconic Messi vs Ronaldo rivalry.
Ronaldo’s Contract Situation at Al-Nassr
Cristiano Ronaldo, now 40, remains as committed and impactful as ever. Despite his age, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner has had another prolific season in the Saudi Pro League. Yet, his current contract with Al-Nassr is nearing its end, and uncertainty lingers over whether the Portuguese superstar will renew his stay or embark on a new challenge.
Al-Nassr’s sporting director, Fernando Hierro, has confirmed that negotiations are underway with Ronaldo’s representatives. In a recent statement, Hierro expressed optimism that an agreement could be reached.
“We are still in negotiations with Cristiano Ronaldo over a new deal. Hopefully, we can find a solution on a renewal,” Hierro said. “Cristiano Ronaldo’s presence is part of a national project. He’s a phenomenon who has helped the league grow. We are in contact to renew his contract and hope he continues with us.”
Despite Al-Nassr’s lack of silverware this season, the club remains determined to retain their marquee player, not only for his on-pitch impact but also for the commercial and global exposure he brings.
🚨 𝐁𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆: The 🇸🇦 Public Investment Fund has offered Cristiano Ronaldo a move to Al Hilal or Al Ahli, reports @ariyadhiah 🗞️ pic.twitter.com/WOIA7dZiXa
— 433 (@433) May 29, 2025
Ronaldo's Impact on Al-Nassr and the Saudi Pro League
Since joining Al-Nassr in late 2022, Cristiano Ronaldo has played a pivotal role in raising the profile of Saudi Arabian football on the world stage. The forward’s performances have matched his influence off the field. In the 2024-25 season alone, Ronaldo netted 35 goals and provided five assists across 41 appearances in all competitions.
He topped the Saudi Pro League scoring charts with 25 goals—finishing two ahead of England international Ivan Toney—and once again demonstrated his elite-level consistency. However, his heroics were not enough to deliver major honours, as Al-Nassr finished 13 points adrift of league champions Al-Ittihad.
Still, Ronaldo’s cumulative numbers are astonishing. In 105 appearances for Al-Nassr, he has contributed to 112 goals, scoring 93 times and assisting 19. These statistics prove that even in the twilight of his career, Ronaldo remains one of the most dangerous forwards in the world.
If his time in Saudi Arabia is coming to an end, Cristiano Ronaldo failed to win a single major trophy with his Al Nassr side.
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) May 27, 2025
His current contract is set to expire in June and he's still 63 goals away from 1,000. pic.twitter.com/Zo2ZK1U0Be
The Club World Cup Conundrum
While Al-Nassr’s exclusion from the 2025 Club World Cup had seemed to close the door on Ronaldo’s participation, a twist may yet allow him to play on club football’s global stage once more. According to reports, Al-Hilal—Saudi Arabia’s representatives at the Club World Cup—have made an offer to sign Ronaldo ahead of the tournament.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has already expressed enthusiasm about the idea of Ronaldo taking part in the expanded Club World Cup, which will be hosted in the United States this summer. Bringing both Ronaldo and Messi to the same tournament would be a marketing dream for FIFA and fans alike.
If Al-Hilal succeed in signing Ronaldo in time, it would not only strengthen their squad but also set the stage for a possible final showdown between the two biggest stars of the modern era—Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
🚨 The Saudi Arabian PIF are desperate to keep Cristiano Ronaldo and have offered him the chance to join Al-Hilal or Al-Ahli.
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) May 30, 2025
👉 With Al-Hilal, he would play the club World Cup.
👉 With Al-Ahli, he would play in the Asian Champions League.
(Source: @ariyadhiah) pic.twitter.com/lF3qioV2cC
Messi vs Ronaldo – One Last Time?
The prospect of seeing Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo face each other in competitive action again is tantalizing. Both players have redefined football’s modern era, with their rivalry spanning over 15 years and multiple clubs and competitions.
Messi will feature for Inter Miami at the Club World Cup, having helped his team qualify through their 2023 Leagues Cup triumph. Inter Miami are placed in Group A alongside Palmeiras, Porto, and Al Ahly. Meanwhile, Al-Hilal are in Group H, grouped with Real Madrid, Red Bull Salzburg, and Pachuca.
Should Ronaldo make the switch to Al-Hilal, a potential meeting between the two legends would not occur until the semi-final stage at the earliest. The path to a Messi vs Ronaldo clash is therefore narrow, but still possible—dependent on both clubs advancing from their respective groups and winning in the knockout rounds.
Such a fixture would be a global spectacle, possibly the final encounter between the two icons before they retire from club football. The Messi vs Ronaldo rivalry has featured numerous El Clásicos, Champions League duels, and Ballon d’Or races. A final chapter at the Club World Cup could be the perfect way to close this historic era.
What’s Next for Ronaldo?
At 40, Ronaldo has defied the conventional expectations of age in elite sports. While many thought his move to Saudi Arabia marked the beginning of his farewell tour, he has since reaffirmed his drive to compete and achieve.
With another impressive season under his belt, Ronaldo faces a defining choice—renew with Al-Nassr and continue building his legacy there, or accept Al-Hilal’s offer and return to the international spotlight at the Club World Cup.
There are also external factors at play. As one of the most marketable athletes in the world, Ronaldo’s presence in the Club World Cup could significantly boost the competition’s visibility. With the tournament being hosted in the United States, and global broadcasters aiming for record viewership, FIFA’s interest in having Ronaldo participate is unsurprising.
Moreover, Ronaldo himself has previously expressed interest in representing a competitive team at the highest levels. A move to Al-Hilal—arguably the most successful Saudi club in recent years—could give him a better shot at continental and global honours, which Al-Nassr have yet to deliver.
Cristiano Ronaldo with a message on IG regarding his future 👀 pic.twitter.com/HOX90WV95u
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) May 26, 2025
What It Means for Al-Nassr and Saudi Football
If Ronaldo departs, it will be a significant blow to Al-Nassr—not only in terms of performance but also in terms of branding and revenue. His arrival in 2022 helped usher in a new era of global recognition for the Saudi Pro League, attracting other high-profile names and increasing the league’s television reach.
While Al-Nassr have other stars and a solid foundation, replacing Ronaldo’s on-field output and off-field impact would be a monumental task. It would also mark a turning point in the Saudi football project that aimed to draw global attention through marquee signings.
For Al-Hilal, however, signing Ronaldo would be a major coup. It would strengthen their squad ahead of the Club World Cup and enhance their chances of challenging global giants like Real Madrid and Manchester City. More importantly, it would elevate their status as Saudi Arabia’s flagship club on the international stage.
The Club World Cup 2025: Key Groups and Fixtures
The 2025 Club World Cup marks a major expansion of the tournament format, with 32 teams participating in a World Cup-style structure. Here’s a quick look at the key group stages that could influence Ronaldo’s and Messi’s paths:
Group A (Inter Miami’s Group):
- Inter Miami (USA)
- Palmeiras (Brazil)
- Porto (Portugal)
- Al Ahly (Egypt)
Group H (Al-Hilal’s Group):
- Al-Hilal (Saudi Arabia)
- Real Madrid (Spain)
- Pachuca (Mexico)
- Red Bull Salzburg (Austria)
Al-Hilal are expected to fight for second place behind Real Madrid, setting up a potential last-16 clash against Group G’s winner—possibly Manchester City or Juventus. Inter Miami, meanwhile, must navigate a competitive Group A, where Palmeiras and Porto will pose significant challenges.
#FIFACWC 2025: Group H. 🔢
— FIFA Club World Cup (@FIFACWC) May 29, 2025
Final Thoughts: A Defining Summer for Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo’s football journey has already secured its place in history books. But even as he approaches the twilight of his career, the decisions he makes continue to influence the sport on a global scale.
The coming weeks could see one of the biggest transfer stories of the summer, as Ronaldo weighs loyalty to Al-Nassr against the opportunity to chase one more international trophy—and potentially face Lionel Messi for the last time on the world stage.
Whether he stays or moves, one thing is certain: Cristiano Ronaldo’s legacy is still being written.
