Kevin De Bruyne didn’t hesitate when asked if he would prefer to play with Ronaldo or Messi

Currently, Messi and Ronaldo continue to play for Inter Miami and Al-Nassr, respectively. De Bruyne, with his contract expiring this summer, might face one of them again as he’s been linked to the Saudi Pro League and Major League Soccer.

His choice for his next potential team could be influenced by his response when asked which of the two legends he prefers to team up with.

Without hesitation, De Bruyne chose Ronaldo as his preferred teammate.

“I would probably say Ronaldo because he’s more of a typical striker,” De Bruyne said last year.

“Messi is still more of a playmaker. I am a playmaker, you can give me a striker.”

The Belgian legend has faced fitness challenges in recent years but has managed to start 11 Premier League matches under Pep Guardiola this season, scoring twice and providing six assists.

De Bruyne has been associated with several clubs in Saudi Arabia, as well as a potential move to New York City FC in the MLS, which is part of the City Football Group.

The rivalry between Messi and Ronaldo was a spirited and healthy competition that pushed both players to excel. However, with neither of them currently playing in Europe, Ronaldo no longer considers them rivals.

“I don’t see things like that, the rivalry is gone,” Ronaldo said during a press conference last year.

“It was good, spectators liked it. Those who like Cristiano Ronaldo don’t have to hate Messi and vice versa. We’ve done well, we have changed the history of football. We are respected all over the world, that’s the most important thing.

“He’s followed his path and I have followed mine, regardless of playing outside of Europe.

“From what I’ve seen, he’s been doing well and so have I. The legacy lives on, but I don’t see the rivalry like that. We shared the stage many times, it was 15 years.

“I’m not saying we’re friends, I’ve never had dinner with him, but we’re professional colleagues and we respect each other.”