Sergio Ramos vs. Lionel Messi: Rivalry renewed? The countdown to their next meeting after Monterrey’s CONCACAF Champions Cup exit

Few rivalries in soccer history have been as fierce and captivating as the one between Lionel Messi and Sergio Ramos. As 2025 unfolds, the question remains: when will the two meet on the field again?

Few rivalries in soccer history have been as fierce and captivating as the one between Lionel Messi and Sergio Ramos. For over a decade, their battles in El Clasico shaped one of the most dramatic chapters in La Liga and UEFA Champions League, with Messi leading Barcelona and Ramos standing as the defensive rock for Real Madrid. Their clashes were filled with intensity—hard tackles, heated confrontations, and moments of pure brilliance that defined an era.

Then, in a twist no one saw coming, they became teammates at Paris Saint-Germain. For two seasons, the once-bitter rivals shared the same dressing room, working toward the same goals instead of battling against each other. However, with Messi now leading Inter Miami in MLS and Ramos playing for Monterrey in Liga MX, fans have been eagerly waiting for their next encounter.

As 2025 unfolds, the question remains: when will the two meet on the field again? The answer seemed closer than ever—until an unexpected turn of events delayed their highly anticipated clash. For fans hoping to see Messi and Ramos reignite their rivalry, there was a golden opportunity in the CONCACAF Champions Cup. Both Inter Miami and Monterrey were on track to progress deep into the tournament, potentially setting up a dramatic semi-final showdown.

However, that dream scenario was shattered when the Mexican giant suffered a shock elimination in the Round of 16 at the hands of the Vancouver Whitecaps. This early exit ended any hopes of seeing the two experienced stars square off in the Champions Cup, a competition that would have provided the perfect high-stakes setting for their long-awaited reunion.

Had Rayados advanced, a meeting between the two soccer icons in the latter stages of the tournament would have been almost inevitable. But with the Spanish defender and his team now out of the competition, the next opportunity for the duo to cross paths will have to come elsewhere.

2025 Club World Cup: First likely showdown

While the CONCACAF Champions Cup is no longer an option, there’s still a major tournament where Messi and Ramos could clash—the Club World Cup 2025. FIFA’s expanded tournament, set to take place this June, will bring together top clubs from around the world to compete for global supremacy. 

Inter Miami has already secured its place, having qualified through their MLS Supporters’ Shield triumph. Meanwhile, Monterrey will also take part, after earning a spot thanks to its 2021 CONCACAF Champions League win.

Both teams have been drawn into different groups:

• Inter Miami will face Palmeiras (Brazil), Porto (Portugal), and Al Ahly (Egypt) in Group A.
• Monterrey will compete against River Plate (Argentina), Urawa Red Diamonds (Japan), and Inter Milan (Italy) in Group E.

Both teams will compete in a round-robin group stage, with the top two from each group advancing to the knockout rounds. If Inter Miami and Monterrey both make it to the semifinals, fans will finally get to see Messi vs. Ramos in a high-stakes clash on the world stage. However, both teams must first navigate their groups successfully and survive the Round of 16 and quarter-finals to make it happen.

Leagues Cup: Last chance for reunion?

Beyond the revamped Club World Cup, there’s one more competition where Messi and Ramos could collide—the 2025 Leagues Cup. The Leagues Cup is a tournament that features MLS and Liga MX clubs, providing a unique opportunity for cross-league battles. Both Inter Miami and Monterrey are set to compete, and while the group stage draw has been set, the tournament’s knockout rounds remain open for potential blockbuster matchups.

• Inter Miami is in the Eastern 2 bracket, where it will play against three Liga MX rivals: Pumas UNAM, Necaxa, and Atlas.
• Monterrey is in the Eastern 3 bracket and will face three MLS sides: Cincinnati, Charlotte, and New York Red Bulls.

Since the Leagues Cup follows a knockout format after the group stage, there’s a strong possibility that Messi’s Herons and Ramos’ Rayados could meet at any stage—from the quarterfinals to a potential final.

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