There is a lot of hype regarding the ‘Last Dance’ on February 1st. After all, it is seemingly the final clash between the soccer titans- Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. However, Al Nassr recently confirmed the dreaded news. Cristiano Ronaldo is out injured and this resulted in the Saudi Club canceling the much-awaited trip to China. However, that’s not all. The latest reports have shed further light on the extent of the injury and there is now a cloud of uncertainty over the Last Dance! CR7 expressed his sadness after the cancellation and promised to be back soon. However, there was then a massive question mark over his availability against Inter Miami.

As per RMC Sport, CR7 might not be fit in time for the clash against Lionel Messi & Co. He is nursing a muscle injury and will take 2 weeks to recover. That is why the Chinese fixtures on January 24th and 28th were called off. While Al Nassr is yet to clarify the situation regarding the extent of the injury, the fact that they canceled an entire tour means that Cristiano Ronaldo wouldn’t even be fit to make the bench. Hence, his participation on February 1 remains on dicey grounds.

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While a complete refund has been issued owing to the Chinese fanbase, the Last Dance will continue regardless, as it is just one match in a tournament between Al Nassr, Al Hilal, & Inter Miami. However, the absence of CR7 will indeed be a mood killer for the spectators. Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have faced each other 36 times, with their last meeting being the clash between Al Nassr & PSG in 2023. However, logically speaking- is the battle on February 1 really the Last Dance? The two legends may encounter again in the future, considering several factors.

Despite the Last Dance in Feb, here’s how Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi can face off again!

There are two compelling reasons why Cristiano Ronaldo & Lionel Messi could face off again in the future. Firstly, the duo could possibly extend their contracts with their respective teams. Both are still playing at a high level, having won the IFFHS Goalscorer Best Top Goal Award & the Ballon d’Or respectively. Their current contracts expire in 2025 and even without an extension, there is ample time to schedule another game.

The second factor is the FIFA Club World Cup. Provided Al Nassr wins the Asian Champions League and Inter Miami wins the CONCACAF Champions League, they will definitely lineup at the FIFA Club World Cup. Depending on the draws, the 2 clubs could face off in a much higher-stake match compared to this time’s Last Dance.

Read More: Cristiano Ronaldo Injury Update: Al Nassr Star Can Miss 3 Games’ Putting ‘Last Dance’ With Lionel Messi & Inter Miami in Danger