Al-Ettifaq boss Steven Gerrard says it might be a “dream” for Lionel Messi to observe Cristiano Ronaldo to the Saudi Professional League for one final head-to-head battle.
Messi and Ronaldo each turned their backs on European soccer in 2022-23, the Portugal nice swapping Manchester United for Al-Nassr and the Argentine transferring to MLS outfit Inter Miami.
These strikes look to have ended probably the most iconic rivalries in soccer historical past, with each gamers unlikely to symbolize their nationwide groups on the 2026 World Cup.
Al-Hilal tried to lure Messi to Saudi Arabia earlier than he opted to move stateside, however Gerrard has not given up hope of seeing him play in the nation, even suggesting his membership as a touchdown spot.
“It could be a dream for me to have Messi at Al-Ettifaq. He’s an unbelievable participant and could be a fantastic asset for the membership,” the previous Liverpool captain instructed MBC Masr 2.
“I do know it’s troublesome for him to move to Saudi Arabia, however there’s nothing mistaken with dreaming.”
Gerrard refused to be drawn on which of the pair was the best participant of their technology, nevertheless, saying: “Each Cristiano and Messi are unbelievable gamers with unbelievable tales in soccer.
“Ronaldo is a good particular person goalscorer, whereas Messi is a extra full crew participant. I can’t actually select between them, they’re each legends.”
Ronaldo top-scored in the Saudi Professional League with 35 targets in simply 31 video games in 2023-24, although he endured a depressing Euro 2024 marketing campaign with Portugal.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner failed to rating at a significant worldwide match for the primary time in 11 makes an attempt, regardless of recording a competition-high 23 pictures value 3.6 anticipated targets (xG).
Messi, in the meantime, has but to rating in three appearances for Argentina at this yr’s Copa America, although he may but win a 3rd straight worldwide match with La Albiceleste set to face Canada in the semi-finals on Tuesday.