Sat May 24 12:21:24 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

Cristiano Ronaldo may potentially play in the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup despite his current club, Al Nassr, not qualifying. FIFA president Gianni Infantino has stated that discussions are underway to allow Ronaldo to join one of the participating teams through a transfer. FIFA’s announcement of last-minute transfer signings being open to all teams has fueled speculation. The possibility of Ronaldo participating could boost the tournament’s profile and ticket sales. This could also lead to a reunion of Ronaldo and Lionel Messi in the same competition. Possible destinations for Ronaldo include Al Hilal, Palmeiras, and Wydad of Morocco. FIFA has set specific transfer windows in June and July to facilitate such player participation.

**News Article:**

**Ronaldo Could Face Messi at Club World Cup as Transfer Talks Emerge**

**NEW YORK, NY** – Could we see the iconic rivalry reignited on American soil? Cristiano Ronaldo is reportedly in discussions to potentially play in the inaugural FIFA Club World Cup this summer, despite his current club, Al Nassr, failing to qualify. FIFA President Gianni Infantino has hinted at the possibility, stating that a transfer to one of the 32 participating teams is being explored.

“Cristiano Ronaldo might play in the Club World Cup,” Infantino told online streamer IShowSpeed. “There are discussions with some clubs, so if any club is watching and is interested in hiring Ronaldo for the Club World Cup, who knows? Still a few weeks’ time, will be fun.”

FIFA has opened a last-minute transfer window for the tournament, fueling speculation that a short-term deal could be struck to bring the Portuguese superstar to the competition. Such a move could significantly boost the tournament’s profile, ticket sales, and overall excitement, especially as Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami is already slated to participate.

If Ronaldo were to join a qualifying team, it would mark the first time he and Messi have competed in the same competition since the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Potential destinations for Ronaldo remain speculative, with rumors linking him to Al Hilal, Palmeiras, and Wydad of Morocco. FIFA has outlined specific transfer windows between June 1-10 and June 27 to July 3 to facilitate such transfers, aiming to encourage clubs and players with expiring contracts to find solutions that enable participation.

The FIFA Club World Cup, to be held across 11 US cities, is shaping up to be a spectacle, and the potential inclusion of Cristiano Ronaldo alongside Lionel Messi would undoubtedly elevate the tournament to a global phenomenon.

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