Transfer Talk: Messi linked with Ronaldo reunion in Saudi

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo could resume their rivalry in Saudi Arabia after Inter Miami failed to make the Major Soccer League play-offs.

The Florida outfit lost 1-0 to Cincinnati last Saturday despite the Argentine's return from injury off the bench, which mathematically confirmed their fate — and means October 21 will be the last competitive fixture they play until the new campaign starts in February.

As such, Rudy Galetti of Sky Sports reports Saudi Pro League chiefs are lining up an ambitious move to sign Messi on loan.

The World Cup winner was heavily linked with a switch to Al-Hilal in the summer after leaving Paris Saint-Germain, only for him to opt for Miami instead.

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A temporary stint in Saudi would see Messi come up against his old foe Ronaldo, who has scored an impressive 10 goals in eight league matches at Al-Nassr this season.

The two multiple Ballon d'Or winners were part of one of football's most iconic rivalries while at Barcelona and Real Madrid between 2009 and 2018.

Messi has also been linked with a return to the Blaugrana on loan, although Miami boss Gerardo Martino was quick to dismiss those claims.

He said: "Is he [Messi] going for fun? Maybe he's going to visit Barcelona. Other than that, I don't know anything else about it."

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In other news

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According to BILD, Arsenal are leading the race to sign Borussia Dortmund's 19-year-old winger Jamie Bynoe-Gittens.

Manchester City are eyeing up a move for Joshua Kimmich, report 90min, as Bayern Munich may have to sell the midfielder due to his current deal expiring in 2025.