Kevin De Bruyne’s old comments on who among Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi he wants to play with resurfaces amid Al-Nassr transfer links

Kevin De Bruyne had once shared who he wanted to play with between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. As per Mundo Deportivo (via TEAMtalk), the Belgian superstar is now heavily linked with a move to Al Nassr, where he could team up with the Portuguese ace.

The five-time Ballon d'Or winner is currently plying his trade with the Saudi Arabian club after joining them in January 2023. Ronaldo and Messi may be in the final phase of their careers, but their rivalry has shown no signs of slowing down.

The Argentine legend joined Inter Miami in 2023 and recently won the MLS Supporters' Shield with the club. In doing so, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner picked up a record-extending 46th career trophy.

In 2023, however, De Bruyne outlined why Cristiano Ronaldo would be his ideal teammate.

"I would probably say Ronaldo because he’s more of a typical striker. Messi is still more of a playmaker. I am a playmaker, you can give me a striker," said De Bruyne via SPORTbible.

De Bruyne has been one of the finest midfielders of his generation and has been crucial to Manchester City's recent rise. The 33-year-old has registered 103 goals and 171 assists from 388 games across competitions for the Cityzens.

However, he has entered the final year of his contract with the Premier League champions and hasn't signed an extension yet. De Bruyne is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury and could leave at the end of this season.

Are Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi preparing for a grand faceoff in the 2026 FIFA World Cup?

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have rolled back the years with their respective clubs. The Argentine maestro is still Inter Miami's most important player and powered them to the top of the Eastern Conference League table this season with 17 goals in 18 MLS games.

The Portuguese sensation, meanwhile, has continued his goalscoring streak in the Middle East. The 39-year-old has registered eight goals in nine games across competitions.

Both players remain relevant to their respective national teams as well. Lionel Messi won the 2022 FIFA World Cup with Argentina and has two Copa America titles in his cabinet.

Ronaldo, meanwhile, won Euro 2016 with Portugal and lifted the UEFA Nations League in 2019.

While the two superstars are now in the twilight of their illustrious careers, they are still going strong. The duo could be preparing for a showdown at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.