Reports suggesting that Lionel Messi has verbally agreed to extend his contract with Paris Saint-Germain could be music to the ears of Cristiano Ronaldo. The forward remains a free agent and may feel that doors may open as a result of his long-term rivals’ decision.
Ronaldo’s contract with Manchester United was mutually terminated ahead of the World Cup last month following his jaw-dropping interview with Piers Morgan. The Portugal international spoke of how he lacked respect for Erik ten Hag and openly criticised the Glazers, giving the Red Devils no choice but to part ways with their club legend.
The Portugal international was hopeful that European clubs would emerge as interested, though Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr are the only club in concrete talks with the forward. Ronaldo may now be forced to accept that he will no longer be competing in the Champions League for the remainder of his career.
Therefore, if the ex-Juventus star is not keen on a move to the Middle East, he could be hopeful that Inter Miami arrive with a lucrative offer for him. The MLS side had been in talks with Messi’s entourage prior to the World Cup and hoped to make him the face of the American club.
However, the Argentine’s success has showcased that the 35-year-old is more than capable of competing at the highest level, with the forward now willing to continue his domination of the Ligue 1 with PSG. Messi reportedly had spoken with Inter owner David Beckham previously and was aware of the benefits of the move to the USA, as well as being able to live in his villa out in Miami.
Though plans of winding his career down now have been put on ice. But if Beckham is not willing to postpone his club’s expansion plans, a free agent Ronaldo could prove an opportunity too good to pass down.
Ronaldo has been urged to consider heading to the MLS previously by ex-USA star Alexi Lalas, who feels that moving to Saudi Arabia will damage the five-time Ballon d’Or winner’s brand. He told Fox: “In the moment he might not have made the money, but he might have also established his brand.
“I’m not saying we’re not going to hear from Cristiano Ronaldo or his brand can’t grow, but it’s sure as hell I would think not going to grow as much being in Saudi Arabia relative to the United States.
“We’ve seen it with Zlatan Ibrahimovic, David Beckham, Thierry Henry or Wayne Rooney. The moments they have from a MLS perspective do go viral, it’s not completely out of sight, out of mind.”