Beckham Eyes Historic Messi-Ronaldo Duo at Inter Miami

David Beckham aims to bring Cristiano Ronaldo to join Lionel Messi at his MLS club, sparking excitement over a legendary partnership.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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David Beckham, the co-owner of Inter Miami, is reportedly seeking to bring Cristiano Ronaldo from Al-Nassr to join Lionel Messi at his MLS club. This move comes amid questions surrounding Ronaldo's future with the Saudi club as he shows signs of unrest. The prospect of these two football legends partnering at the same club excites fans who have witnessed their decade-long rivalry define modern football.

Why it matters

The potential pairing of Messi and Ronaldo at Inter Miami would be a historic moment in football, as the two iconic rivals have never played on the same team before. This move could dramatically elevate the profile and performance of the MLS club, further increasing the league's global appeal.

The details

Ronaldo, 41, is rumored to be contemplating a switch to Major League Soccer as part of his next career chapter, with his contract at Al-Nassr nearing an end. Since joining Inter Miami in 2023, Lionel Messi has dramatically elevated the team's profile and performance, delivering unexpected success. In comparison, Ronaldo also arrived at Al-Nassr the same year but has yet to capture a significant trophy in the Saudi Pro League.

  • In 2023, Beckham openly shared his respect for both Messi and Ronaldo, but named Messi as the player he most admires.
  • Messi joined Inter Miami in 2023, while Ronaldo arrived at Al-Nassr the same year.

The players

David Beckham

The co-owner of Inter Miami and a former professional footballer who played for clubs like Manchester United and LA Galaxy.

Lionel Messi

An Argentine professional footballer who plays as a forward for Inter Miami and is widely considered one of the greatest players of all time, having won a record eight Ballon d'Or awards.

Cristiano Ronaldo

A Portuguese professional footballer who currently plays as a forward for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League and is also widely considered one of the greatest players of all time, having won five Ballon d'Or awards.

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What they’re saying

“It has to be Messi. I love Leo for many different reasons. I love him because he's a great father. I love him because he's a great personality, a character. He's a great person. But I think what everybody loves about him is the way he plays the game. He plays the game with passion. He plays the game just free the way he plays. And I think this past World Cup again. I think the way he played for his team, for his country and to win that World Cup was an incredible moment for him. And I love watching players like him.”

— David Beckham (ESPN)

What’s next

If Beckham's vision comes to fruition, Inter Miami would become the first club to host Messi and Ronaldo as teammates, potentially reshaping the football landscape and intensifying MLS's global appeal.

The takeaway

The potential partnership of Messi and Ronaldo at Inter Miami would be a historic moment in football, as the two iconic rivals have never played on the same team before. This move could dramatically elevate the profile and performance of the MLS club, further increasing the league's global appeal.