At 40 years of age, Cristiano Ronaldo is nearing the end of his career. Retirement is getting closer and closer, but as long as his body holds up, he will be able to afford to play his way and on his own terms. David Beckham knows this, and he is the strong man behind the bombshells at Inter Miami who can fulfill the dream of millions of soccer fans: to bring Messi and the Portuguese together in the same team.

There are possibilities, even more so when Cristiano is already showing signs of wear and tear with Al Nassr. It is also likely that he will play in the World Cup, his last great competitive showcase. After that he will want to relax, have fun, and would look for a place in a league that allows him to continue without rigor on top, as is the MLS.

If anyone has the level, the gift of the gab and the power of persuasion with the great stars of world soccer, it is Beckham. Just as he was the decisive factor for the franchise to convince Messi, he could also be the one to obtain an affirmative response from Cristiano to the proposal to wear the jersey of the Herons after participating in the World Cup.

All fans would love to see them play together one day before they both retire. I don’t think it will happen, but if there was a chance, I think David Beckham would be the right person to make it happen

Rob Earnshow, exjugador de la MLS

What are the MLS rules for a possible signing of Cristiano Ronaldo?

Under the assumption that the Portuguese player is handled through the free agent option, Inter Miami would be free to propose an offer as long as it complies with MLS sporting and operational regulations.

• In MLS, each franchise has an exclusive appendix of three Designated Player slots. This translates into the opportunity to reserve the right to selectively negotiate with a player of interest

Currently, the Herons have Lionel Messi and German Berterame as Designated Players, meaning there is one spot available. This vacancy opens the door for Inter Miami to negotiate with Cristiano Ronaldo for his incorporation. If David Beckham decides to go all out, he will have to replicate the signing model he used with Messi: get investment from companies with large capital to reach the price of an elite footballer. Apple and Adidas were his allies in signing the Argentine.

David Beckham, between Inter Miami and the drama with his son Brooklyn

If the move for Cristiano Ronaldo is a priority for Inter Miami, Beckham will have to focus all his attention on it. Considering the character in question and with the World Cup coming up, a tournament that can inflate or lower the salary rate, Becks will have to be aware of the conditions that the Portuguese imposes, either to be flexible or to demand more.

This process would bring the former England star into conflict with the family problem he faces with his son Brooklyn, who is estranged from his parents due to a conflict stemming from the animosity and tension that exists between his wife, Nicola Peltz, and David and Victoria Beckham. Just as it can be a distraction to help not to carry the family emotions, negotiating with Cristiano could intensify the emotional havoc with his current situation.