As Cristiano Ronaldo prepares for what could be one of his last major international finals with Portugal, speculation about his club future has reached fever pitch. With the 2025 Club World Cup fast approaching, and Ronaldo’s contract at Al-Nassr expiring at the end of June, many believed the 40-year-old might accept a short-term move to one of the 32 participating clubs in the United States.
But speaking candidly at a press conference ahead of Portugal’s UEFA Nations League final against Spain, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner put those rumors to rest — though not without adding new intrigue.
“I will not be at the Club World Cup,” he said. “Some teams reached out to me. Some made sense and others did not, but you can’t try and do everything, you can’t catch every ball.” While Ronaldo won’t feature in the tournament, he revealed something few expected — invitations had come even from Argentina.
Boca or River? Messi’s homeland Argentina called
Without being directly asked, Ronaldo confirmed he’d been invited to play by Argentine clubs — a statement that immediately sparked headlines across South America. “I received invitations from Argentina to play in the Club World Cup… You never know what will happen. I’m not Argentinian but I want to go. I have a lot of affection for Argentina and for Messi,” the veteran revealed.
Though he didn’t name the clubs involved, only two Argentine sides have qualified for the newly expanded FIFA Club World Cup, which kicks off June 14 in the United States: Boca Juniors and River Plate.
The connection to both teams is fascinating. Boca Juniors currently boast Ronaldo’s former Manchester United teammate Edinson Cavani in their squad. A reunion between the two global stars, even briefly, would have been a major story in world soccer. River Plate, meanwhile, is managed by Marcelo Gallardo, who previously coached Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Pro League and famously received a signed Ronaldo jersey for his son after a match against Al-Nassr.
These tantalizing links only fueled the idea that the five-time Ballon d’Or winner could end his storied career with one last dance in South America. But even with the invites, Ronaldo was clear that he won’t chase an opportunity simply to stay in the spotlight. “The decision about my future is almost final,” he admitted, adding that he’s not interested in making a last-minute jump just to be part of the tournament.
