Messi yes and CR7 no? For this reason Cristiano Ronaldo will not play in the Club World Cup

As the football world eagerly anticipates the 2025 Club World Cup to be held in the United States, a stark contrast has emerged in the participation of two of the sport’s biggest icons. While Lionel Messi will undoubtedly grace the tournament with his presence, Cristiano Ronaldo will be noticeably absent.

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Messi In, Ronaldo Out: The Fate of Football’s Biggest Stars in the Club World Cup

The confirmation of Messi’s participation came from FIFA President Gianni Infantino during a visit to Inter Miami's stadium. The MLS side secured their spot as the host nation's representative by topping the regular season standings, a process that has been a consistent feature of the tournament's format. In 2023, for instance, Saudi Arabia's Al-Ittihad earned the right to compete as the highest-ranked domestic team.

Ronaldo's Al-Nassr, on the other hand, had their chance to qualify through the AFC Champions League. However, their journey was cut short in the quarterfinals by Al-Ain, a team that would