For a brief moment, the football world held its breath at the thought of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi finally playing side by side — not as rivals, but as teammates. Rumours erupted on Friday suggesting that Inter Miami were preparing a short-term contract offer for the Portuguese star to join the team at this summer’s FIFA Club World Cup 2025 in the United States.

Speculation mounted as fans dreamed of seeing the two global icons united in the same shirt for the first time. With Al-Nassr missing out on qualification — the Saudi club lost their spot to Al-Hilal and Al-Ahli — Ronaldo would be free to represent another team, in theory.

Fabrizio Romano shuts the door

However, the excitement was short-lived. Respected transfer expert Fabrizio Romano quickly poured cold water on the story, stating there is "zero chance" of Ronaldo joining Inter Miami for the tournament.

So, for now, fans will have to keep waiting — if it ever happens — to see Messi and Ronaldo share the pitch in the same colours. One of football’s greatest "what ifs" lives on.