Cristiano Ronaldo set to enter talks over Al-Nassr future, could match Lionel Messi record after new agreement: Reports
Cristiano Ronaldo is reportedly set to enter talks over his future at Al-Nassr, which could help the Portuguese break one of arch-rival Lionel Messi's records.
According to talkSPORT, Ronaldo, 39, may choose to extend his contract with the Riyadh-based side for another 12 months. Currently, the former Manchester United attacker's deal expires in the summer of 2025.
Should the five-time Ballon d'Or choose to continue with Al-Nassr till 2026, it gives him the chance to represent Portugal in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. In doing so, Ronaldo may just end up breaking Messi's all-time World Cup appearance record, which stands at 26 matches.
At the moment, the Saudi Pro League star has recorded 22 appearances in the competition, bagging eight goals and two assists. Of course, this would only seem realistically possible if the Argentine himself hung his boots before the commencement of the 2026 World Cup.
In terms of fitness, Ronaldo doesn't look to be slowing down and continues to bang in the goals for Al-Nassr. This season, he finished as the Saudi Pro League's highest goalscorer after netting 35 times in 31 matches.
Ronaldo's goal tally for the campaign also made him the highest single-season top scorer in the league. He also became the first player to finish as the top scorer in four different leagues around the world (Serie A, Premier League, Saudi Pro League, and La Liga).
Further, the report also states that the Portugal captain would receive a pay rise on his salary, which already stands at a whopping €200 million, exclusive of bonuses.
How has Lionel Messi fared recently, and he is at Inter Miami till when as Cristiano Ronaldo's contract rumors surface?
With Cristiano Ronaldo seemingly set to commence talks over his new contract, Lionel Messi may have to consider the same if he is to compete with the Portuguese.
Currently, Messi's contract runs out in December 2025, which he would have to extend by about a year for a shot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The 36-year-old came to Inter Miami in the summer of 2023 after his contract at Paris Saint-Germain expired.
Much like Ronaldo, Messi has shown top form this season. He has made 13 appearances across competitions in the 2024 campaign, bagging 12 goals and 11 assists for the Herons.
Given the way both Ronlado and Messi are going at the moment, it wouldn't be surprising if the pair managed to play in the 2026 World Cup.