Former Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi could play against each other in the MLS at some point in the future, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

Ronaldo's time with Erik ten Hag's Red Devils came to an end on Tuesday after his controversial interview with journalist Piers Morgan saw the club take drastic action.

GiveMeSport Transfer Verdict

Can the MLS afford Ronaldo and Messi?

The MLS has a history of attracting big-name players coming towards the ends of their careers, for one last dance in the USA. These players are coined 'designated players' by the league, a rule that allows clubs to sign players that fall outside their salary cap, whether that's by offering the player higher wages or by paying a transfer fee.

The rule came into play to finance David Beckham's move to LA Galaxy in 2007 and, since then, it's allowed players such as Kaka, Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, David Villa, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Wayne Rooney and a number of other huge names to play in the MLS.

Each team can sign three designated players per season, with Gareth Bale being the latest to move to the States with LAFC, where he helped the club to clinch this term's MLS Cup.

Read more: World Cup 2022: Dates, Schedule, Location, Groups, Tickets, Odds And More

What has Dean Jones said about the duo moving to the MLS?

Given the lifestyle and opportunity to play in an ever-improving, exciting league, Jones thinks it's only a matter of time before both Ronaldo and Messi are playing in the United States.

Jones told GIVEMESPORT: "I think there'll be a time when both Messi and Ronaldo are playing in MLS at the same time. I'd be amazed if there wasn't one season where they were up against each other in that league.

"I know from speaking to people in America, that there has always been a desire to try and make it happen."

Could Ronaldo and Messi end up in the MLS?

The Portuguese icon returned to Old Trafford in a £20million deal in 2021, but things have turned sour this campaign and the club acted quickly to terminate his deal by mutual consent earlier this week.

With his Old Trafford exit now confirmed, Spanish outlet Marca are reporting that Ronaldo could look at moving to the MLS - and he wouldn't be short of options.

David Beckham's Inter Miami, managed by Ronaldo's former team-mate Phil Neville, are keen to add him to their ranks as they look to make their mark in the MLS, but other franchises could also come into the fray.

As for Messi, his contract at PSG expires next summer and the 35-year-old will reportedly re-sign for Barcelona. However, that deal may come down to Barca finding ways to navigate their precarious financial situation to bankroll their club icon's return.

If Messi isn't reunited with the Catalans, an alternative option could be a transfer to the MLS, where Inter Miami are becoming 'increasingly confident' that they will bag the Argentinian, who has scored 12 goals in 19 games for PSG this season.

You can find all of the latest football news and rumours right here