Lionel Messi's Inter Miami and Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr handed boost in chase for World Cup winner - Reports
Lionel Messi's MLS club Inter Miami and Cristiano Ronaldo's Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr have both been handed a boost in their reported chase for Paul Pogba. It has been revealed that the World Cup winner has entered the final stages of his contract termination with Juventus, which was set to expire in 2026.
This comes after Pogba was banned from playing football professionally for four years after he tested positive for DHEA (a banned substance that raises testosterone levels) in 2023. However, the case went to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, where his sentence was reduced to 18 months.
This means that the French midfielder can resume his professional career in March 2025. While Juventus are no longer interested in his services, Pogba has garnered a number of suitors across world football. According to reports from Sky Sports, he is being courted by clubs in the USA, Saudi Arabia, and England.
He could potentially play with Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi, depending on where he picks as his next career destination. In the meantime, he has to complete the termination of his contract in Italy before his representatives can formally speak with interested parties.
Paul Pogba provides insight into Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi rivalry
Despite them playing on different continents, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi's rivalry remains one of the most hotly debated topics in football. Paul Pogba spoke with popular YouTube streamer iShowSpeed about the two legendary players, revealing his preference for Messi. He said (via SPORTbible):
"For me, there is no Ronaldo vs Messi. If I have to make a team, if I need to score goals, I will take Cristiano. Really, only to score goals. But if I need a playmaker who can score goals and make assists, I'll take Messi. Everyday."
When Speed disagreed with Pogba's assessment, the World Cup winner added:
"You like Cristiano, I love the style and everything. Some people love Messi, because do you see what he's doing? Messi is different. Have you ever seen Messi? He's like that, right [short]? But you think you can push him and stuff like that. How can a person like this - so small - do this to people?"
Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are arguably two of the best players football has ever seen. While the 39-year-old Portuguese legend won five Ballon d'Or awards, his 37-year-old Argentine counterpart won an unprecedented eight. Neither of them were nominated for the 2024 Ballon d'Or award for the first time in nearly two decades, signaling the end of their era.