Cristiano Ronaldo is reportedly trying to persuade Casemiro to team up with him in Saudi Arabia rather than his old rival Lionel Messi at Inter Miami when he leaves Manchester United this summer.

Casemiro, 34, announced in January that this season would be his last at United after the club decided not to trigger the 12-month extension on his four-year contract because they want to move his £375,000-a-week salary off the wage bill. 

Daily Mail Sport reported last week that MLS outfit Inter Miami had sounded out Casemiro over a potential move across the pond when his contract expires in the summer, presenting an opportunity to play with Messi before he retires.

According to Spanish newspaper Marca, Ronaldo is attempting to convince Casemiro not to team up with Messi in the United States and instead join his project in Saudi Arabia.

Ronaldo, who is still searching for his first league title at Al-Nassr since his blockbuster move to the Middle East in 2023, is said to have identified Casemiro as a key piece that can add real quality to the Saudi giants.

Messi, who has extended his contract at the MLS club until 2028, is also keen for the Brazilian to join him in Florida and fill the void left by Sergio Busquets in midfield following his retirement last year.

Despite entering the final few months of his United career, Casemiro is enjoying arguably his best season at United after scoring seven goals from 30 appearances, with 28 starts coming in the Premier League.

Miami, the David Beckham part-owned franchise, had initially considered a summer move for the Brazilian would be too expensive because of the cost involved and the fact they already have big earners on their roster.

Casemiro is understood to have enjoyed the holiday with his family in Miami earlier this year and has told friends he would like the idea of living there. 

Miami could not afford the midfielder’s wages as it stands, that would also breach MLS rules, but they are open to discussing what compromises Casemiro is willing to make.

Joining former Real Madrid and Man United team-mate Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia would present a far more lucrative pay packet for Casemiro, who chalked up five Champions Leagues and three LaLiga titles during his time at the Bernabeu. 

Should Casemiro decide to join Messi in Miami, he would become one of the few players to have had the privilege of playing alongside the two greatest footballers of this generation.