"What do people want? Do you want to see him against Messi?" - Al-Ahly coach on Cristiano Ronaldo potentially joining a Club World Cup team
Egyptian club Al-Ahly's coach, Jose Riveiro spoke about the potential of Cristiano Ronaldo being loaned to a FIFA Club World Cup club ahead of the marquee tournament, which is slated to start on Saturday, June 14. Speaking exclusively to AS, Riveiro admitted that while there was some talk about Ronaldo joining a Club World Cup on loan, it did not transpire.
Riveiro's Al-Ahly, meanwhile, begin their campaign against Inter Miami on Saturday. The Spaniard felt that the notion of bringing Cristiano Ronaldo to the Club World Cup on loan (his own club Al-Nassr did not qualify) was a bit romantic.
However, it was also what the fans would have wanted, especially in a showdown with Miami's Lionel Messi.
"What do people want? Do they want to see Ronaldo against Messi? Why not give it to them? If you ask me what my vision is, it's perhaps a little more romantic. But if these are the rules, we all play by the rules. There was a lot of talk about Cristiano Ronaldo playing in this World Cup, even at Al Ahly, so he could play against Messi again," said Riveiro.
"And in the end... why not? This is entertainment, a spectacle. Those responsible for all this are trying to make it happen, and the teams that have the money to do it will find a way to do it. I'm not saying it's right or wrong, but I think it's something that's going to become normal in this type of competition," he added.
Al-Ahly will face Lionel Messi's Inter Miami in the FIFA Club World Cup opener
Al-Ahly are undoubtedly the most successful club in Egypt, having won the league title on a whopping 45 occasions and finished runners-up thrice. Al-Ahly have also won the CAF Champions League 12 times and bagged the Egypt Cup 40 times.
They will take on Inter Miami in the FIFA Club World Cup opener on Saturday at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. Messi, whose minutes were strictly monitored in the MLS this season, is expected to play a vital role for Miami.
The 37-year-old has already found the back of the net on 15 occasions across all competitions this season, and has assisted his teammates five times. Unfortunately, Cristiano Ronaldo did not make a loan move to Al-Ahly, and a meeting between the two will not be possible at the Club World Cup.
Cristiano Ronaldo, 40, finished the 2024-25 season with 35 goals and four assists in 41 matches, even though his club Al-Nassr could not secure the Saudi Pro League title. His presence at the Club World Cup would have livened up the tournament.