Lionel Messi is leaning towards NOT extending his contract with Paris Saint-Germain - fuelling speculation about his future.
The Argentina international, 35, is out of contract at the end of this season and several clubs are interested. He was initially expected to extend his stay in the French capital, but it is believed he has had a change of heart after winning the World Cup in Qatar.
Messi will have a number of options on the table if he leaves PSG. One of those is a move to the Saudi Pro League - where Cristiano Ronaldo plays - as Messi is an ambassador for the Middle Eastern country. He has previously admitted he would like to play alongside Ronaldo, 38.
Messi was asked if he would like to be in the same team as Ronaldo in 2015. He replied: "Yes, of course. I always like to play with the best, and he is one of them. I think it will be difficult for us to play in the same team, but obviously I would like to.
"I was lucky enough to play and participate with many very good players and, obviously, I would also like to do it with him."
As reported by French outlet L'Equipe, Messi is no longer leaning towards staying at PSG. It is believed a number of clubs are interested in him, including former side Barcelona and David Beckham's ambitious Major League Soccer outfit Inter Miami.
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A return to Argentina has been touted, while the possibility of a move to Saudi Arabia cannot be ignored due to his ambassadorial link. Messi has little left to achieve after winning the World Cup and a lucrative challenge in the Middle East may interest him.
Ronaldo completed a move to Al-Nassr in January after his contract at Manchester United was terminated by mutual consent six weeks earlier. The Portugal international became the best-paid footballer on the planet, earning around £173million per year.
Messi would expect a similar wage if he joined a Saudi club. The Argentine is more likely to join another Pro League side to rekindle his rivalry with Ronaldo, although seeing the two superstars finally play in the same XI would also be a major attraction for fans in the Gulf state and worldwide.
For more than a decade, Messi and Ronaldo battled it out to be crowned the best player on the planet. Ronaldo has won the Ballon d'Or five times, while Messi has taken that prize home a record seven times. He is likely to win an eighth after his World Cup heroics.
Most of the Messi-Ronaldo rivalry unfolded in Spain between 2009 and 2018. Messi played for Barcelona and Ronaldo represented arch-rivals Real Madrid. They shared the glory, as Barcelona won six La Liga titles but Real lifted four Champions Leagues.
Messi and Ronaldo were relentless in their respective pursuits of greatness in Spain. Messi is Barcelona's record scorer and Ronaldo boasts the same honour for Los Blancos.
