Football legends Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi could be on a collision course to revive their rivalry on the pitch.
Football fans longing for the days of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi warring over titles could soon be rewarded. And the iconic duo may soon find themselves competing for the same crowns again in the not-too-distant future.
That's after it was confirmed Messi has taken over Spanish fifth-tier outfit Cornella. Located not far from his former stomping ground at Barcelona, it gives the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner a surprise route back into Spanish football.
The Inter Miami star has bought the club outright after purchasing a 100 per cent stake. And it's an exciting development for Cornella fans as they look to climb out of the Tercera Federacion and onto much greater things.
Ronaldo, 41, has already made his move to reclaim a stake in the same system. He purchased a 25 per cent stake in second-tier side Almeria in February of this year, with the club currently in the hunt for promotion to La Liga.
The two teams are no fewer than three divisions apart for the time being, which could grow to four in the event Almeria go up this year. However, it opens the possibility to a future ownership battle between the two modern-day phenoms.
"Messi’s arrival marks the beginning of a new chapter in the club’s history, aimed at driving both sporting and institutional growth, strengthening its foundations, and continuing to invest in talent," read a Cornella statement.
"The project is guided by a long-term vision and a strategic plan that combines ambition, sustainability, and a strong connection to its local roots."
Messi continues to ply his trade in Major League Soccer and is contracted to the club until the end of 2028. However, the foundations are already in place for a future in the boardroom when he eventually retires.
The same can be said for Ronaldo, who has a little more than 12 months remaining on his Al-Nassr contract. However, he appears poised to hang up his boots ahead of Messi.
The legendary duo cultivated arguably the finest rivalry in football history during their days in La Liga. Ronaldo spearheaded Real Madrid to unprecedented success in an era that also saw Messi take Barcelona to new heights.
They may not be lacing up themselves, though the prospect of seeing Messi and Ronaldo go to battle as owners has an appeal all of its own. However, Messi will need to perform his own Wrexham-esque transformation by taking his team up a few levels first.