Cristiano Ronaldo 'trying to reunite' with former Man United and Real Madrid teammate in snub to Lionel Messi

Ed Griffiths
Tue, 31 Mar 2026 12:29:39 +0000

Cristiano Ronaldo is reportedly attempting to persuade his former teammate Casemiro to reject a move to Inter Miami and instead reunite with him at Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia.

The Portuguese forward is said to view the Brazilian midfielder as essential to elevating his Saudi Pro League side to the next level.

Ronaldo's intervention sets up a fascinating tug-of-war with his long-standing rival Lionel Messi.

The Argentinian and his side are also keen to bring Casemiro to Florida when the 34-year-old departs Manchester United at the end of this season.

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The pair previously enjoyed considerable success together at Real Madrid, claiming multiple Champions League titles.

Spanish outlet Marca claims that Ronaldo is keen to reunite with his former teammate.

Casemiro confirmed in January that the current campaign would mark his final season at Old Trafford.

United opted not to activate a 12-month extension clause in his four-year deal.

The club's decision was driven by a desire to remove his substantial £375,000-per-week wages from their books.

Since arriving from Real Madrid during the summer of 2022, the defensive midfielder has featured 155 times across all competitions for the Red Devils, contributing 24 goals and 14 assists.

In his farewell statement, Casemiro wrote: "I will carry Manchester United with me throughout my entire life.

"From the first day that I walked out at this beautiful stadium, I felt the passion of Old Trafford."

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David Beckham's MLS franchise has positioned Casemiro as their primary target following the 2026 World Cup.

They are said to view him as the ideal successor to Sergio Busquets following the Spaniard's retirement last year.

Discussions between the parties are understood to be at an advanced stage, with reports suggesting the midfielder recently travelled to Miami to inspect the club's facilities and hold direct talks with officials.

Casemiro is believed to have taken a family holiday in the Florida city earlier this year and has indicated to friends that he finds the prospect of residing there appealing.

Should he join Messi, it would mark an unprecedented moment in football history.

The financial dimension of Casemiro's decision presents a stark contrast between his two suitors.

A switch to Riyadh would offer the Brazilian a significantly more lucrative package than virtually any other destination worldwide, allowing him to secure one final major contract while playing alongside a trusted former colleague.

Inter Miami, by contrast, faces considerable obstacles in matching such terms, as the midfielder's current salary exceeds what MLS regulations permit.

The Beckham-owned club initially deemed a summer approach financially unviable given their existing roster of high earners, though they remain willing to explore what concessions Casemiro might be willing to accept to make the move work.