In recent weeks, there has been a barrage of some genuinely shocking news surrounding Soccer. And by the looks of it, the best is yet to come.
Following the confirmation of Karim Benzema and Lionel Messi‘s departure from their respective clubs, Spanish outlet Marca reports that the duo could potentially join forces with Cristiano Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia.
(Source – myKhel)
The news comes after Benzema officially bid his goodbyes to Real Madrid, in favor of a $200 million offer from Saudi Pro League club Al-Ittihad.
The Frenchman was the recipient of an unprecedented offer, which reportedly included some lavish perks aside from the incredible monetary sum.
After some days of deliberation, the 35-year-old decided to take up the offer, ending his 14-year-long spell at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The timing of his departure has coincided with the expiration of Lionel Messi’s contract at Paris Saint Germain. The Argentine is all set to leave the club after a 2-season long term. His future is currently under a shade of uncertainty, but as per rumors, his next destination could possibly be Saudi Arabia.
The Gulf Nation has openly expressed its desire to recruit Soccer’s biggest superstars. And naturally, Messi fits that bill perfectly. To fulfill their vision, the Saudi Pro League added Cristiano Ronaldo to their roster last year, with Karim Benzema primed to follow suit. Saudi has reportedly set its sights on acquiring Messi’s services as well, and as per Marca, the overarching plan is to field the trio together on the same team.
Saudi Arabia plan to include Cristiano, Messi and Benzema in a friendly game against a European giant 🇸🇦@marca pic.twitter.com/cUEtm2D1xk
— The CR7 Timeline. (@TimelineCR7) June 4, 2023
The match will supposedly take place against a major European team, much like the Riyadh All-Stars vs PSG showdown we witnessed in January.
Fans react to a potential team-up featuring Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, and Karim Benzema
Needless to say, fans online went berserk upon receiving the news. Seeing the legendary trio play in the same team is essentially a dream scenario for any Soccer fan, as reflected in their reactions to the report. One fan tweeted “I used to pray for times like these”, and likened a potential Messi-Ronaldo link-up to Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O Neal balling in their primes.
Ronaldo and Messi on the same teampic.twitter.com/LBe4UgeWLz https://t.co/ixw26ysKFz
— ً (@clinicalmusiala) June 5, 2023
what a smart smart smart country https://t.co/5EThbW09Hq
— Olitfcb #TUCHELOUT (@olitfcb) June 5, 2023
They are about to do something we have all been praying for. https://t.co/LNgxZRgc0a
— Güsty (@_jayy_44) June 4, 2023
Finally we can see goats playing together
— Austin’s Next (@AustinsNext) June 4, 2023
Another user wrote, “What a smart, smart country,” and seemingly credited Saudi Arabia’s willingness to bring the trio together. Most fans reacted with pure delight, indicating that Saudi Pro League’s plans are already a hit among the masses. It remains to be seen whether or not the legendary team-up comes to fruition. But if it does, we’re looking at a ‘once in a lifetime’ event.
