Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi ‘could face each other in 2023 as Saudi government target audacious double transfer’

CRISTIANO RONALDO and Lionel Messi could sensationally face each other once again in 2023.

That’s because Saudi Arabia’s government are targeting an audacious double transfer for the superstars.

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Ronaldo, 37, is without a club after leaving Manchester United this week.

The veteran striker is currently starring for Portugal at the World Cup.

But as soon as the Qatar showpiece is over he will then be on the lookout for a new club in the January transfer window.

After rejecting a move to Saudi Arabia last summer, Ronaldo could now be tempted by a switch to the Middle East.

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The Mirror claims Saudi government are quietly confident the legendary forward will be playing in their country soon.

And they also reckon they can add old rival Messi to their growing stable of superstars.

The Argentine is out of contract at Paris Saint-Germain next summer, with the French side fearing he will move on.

Messi is thought to be tempted by a money-spinning move outside of Europe, with the MLS an option.

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But he is already an ambassador for Saudi Arabia’s tourist board.

And that could help solidify a deal for Messi to eventually play in the kingdom.

However, it’s reckoned the Barcelona icon would play for a different team to Ronaldo’s.

And that would see them resume their epic rivalry last seen in their El Clasico days.