The first FIFA Club World Cup with a 32-team format will begin on June 14th and everything indicates that Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the great world players of the last two decades, will not be part of the event.
CR7 did not win any titles with Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia and hinted that he will not renew his contract, which sparked speculation that he could sign with one of the teams participating in the Club World Cup.
Which team wanted Cristiano Ronaldo for the Club World Cup?
After the announcement made by the Portuguese at the end of May through his social media, he was mentioned as a possible reinforcement for Palmeiras and Flamengo in Brazil, as well as for Monterrey in Mexico, where Sergio Ramos plays, a former teammate of CR7 at Real Madrid.
But according to Cristiano Ronaldo himself, the call came from Argentina.
In a press conference prior to the final of the UEFA Nations League between Portugal and Spain, the Portuguese player revealed that he has received offers from Argentina: “I have a lot of affection for Argentina, my wife is Argentine, and I have had invitations to play in the Club World Cup with Argentina. I never say never to this kind of opportunity.”.
According to Clarín, River Plate was the club that called Cristiano Ronaldo, and they did so through the coach Marcelo Gallardo. The “Muñeco” (Gallardo) spent two seasons as the coach of Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia and coached CR7 in 2023 in a friendly match with a team formed by players from Al Hilal and Al-Nassr against PSG.
Anyway, the chances of seeing Cristiano with the red and white River jersey are remote, as the Portuguese would have to significantly reduce his salary demands.
“It is almost certain that I will not participate in the Club World Cup, despite having received many invitations and proposals. There were conversations and contacts, but one must think in the short, medium, and long term,” said CR7 in the same press conference.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s appreciation for Messi
Cristiano Ronaldo also talked about the appreciation he has for Lionel Messi, as well as recalling the moments they shared at the Ballon d’Or galas.
“I also have a lot of affection for Messi. At first, he didn’t speak any English and I would translate for him at the Ballon d’Or galas when they explained to us what we had to do,” said the Portuguese, and even mentioned that he doesn’t rule out the possibility of both of them playing together on some occasion.