Lionel Messi's potential Saudi Arabia transfer could halt Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr departure

Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi will go down as legends of the game.

Both men have battled fiercely against each other for more than a decade and have defined modern football for many. The duo have been fuelled by the other's achievements with Ronaldo rarely far away from a Messi comparison and vice versa.

While fans of Al Nassr may not agree, the signing of Ronaldo following his shock departure from Manchester United was a coup. The 38-year-old had previously spoken passionately about remaining in Europe.

However, with his options becoming slimmer, the Portuguese great gave in to temptation and agreed a move to the Middle East. It is now fitting the pair's tandem careers are on the verge of linking up once more.

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After going on an unsanctioned trip to Saudi Arabia last Monday, Messi was suspended for two weeks and released an apology video to the PSG supporters. Reports suggest this is the beginning of the end for the Argentinian World Cup winner in the French capital and a move to the Middle East could now beckon.

His former teammate Sergio Busquets revealed on Wednesday he would be leaving Barcelona and it is widely expected he will join Al Hilal. The central defensive midfielder's arrival in the Pro League could be the final temptation Messi needs to make the switch.

For Ronaldo, these developments could convince him to stay put given the arrival of his fierce El Clasico rivals. Reports suggested, before the Messi rumours surfaced, the 38-year-old was keen to leave Al Nassr with Real Madrid and Newcastle United leading the running with the bookmakers in the odds for his next club.

But, by his own admission, Ronaldo has always been a player who wishes