Messi and Sanchez set for MLS reunion as Chile star nears CF Montreal move

Major League Soccer has become the land of unlikely reunions. The latest buzz centers on Lionel Messi and Alexis Sanchez, two former Barcelona forwards who could be on the same side of the Atlantic again. According to reports from World Soccer Talk, Sanchez is set to join CF Montreal, a move that would reignite a partnership that once lit up the Camp Nou.

The reported move

Alexis Sanchez, the fiery Chile international, has been linked with a switch to the Canadian club. At 36, Sanchez remains a recognizable figure in world football, known for his relentless running, trickery, and eye for goal. CF Montreal, a club still searching for its first major trophy since joining MLS in 2012, would suddenly become a headline act if this transfer goes through.

Sanchez has spent most of his career in Europe, with spells at Udinese, Barcelona, Arsenal, Manchester United, and Inter Milan. His time in England, particularly at Arsenal, cemented his reputation as one of the most exciting wingers of his generation. A move to Canada would represent a new chapter, bringing his unique brand of passion to a league that thrives on star power.

What it means for MLS

This is not just a signing; it is a statement. MLS has evolved from a retirement league into a destination where marquee players can still make an impact. Messi has already transformed Inter Miami and shifted the league's global profile. Adding Sanchez to that ecosystem, even at a different club, deepens the league's connection with Latin American audiences and gives Canadian soccer a much-needed boost.

Sanchez would also become a marquee attraction for playoff races and rivalry matches. The Eastern Conference, where both CF Montreal and Inter Miami compete, would see at least two high-profile Latin American stars going head-to-head. That is the kind of narrative that sells tickets and drives viewership.

The reunion storyline

The prospect of Messi and Sanchez sharing a pitch in MLS is deliciously nostalgic. The two were teammates at Barcelona from 2011 to 2014, a period marked by passing triangles and goalscoring feats. While they never won the Champions League together, they did lift a string of Spanish titles and cups, forming a bond that lasted beyond their days in Catalonia.

A reunion would not be identical — Sanchez would wear the blue of Montreal, not the pink of Miami — but the symbolism is powerful. For fans of a certain age, watching these two veterans exchange passes or battle each other in a summer fixture would be a reminder of the era when they were among the most feared attackers in Europe.

What it means going forward

If the move happens, CF Montreal would gain not only a player but a mentor for their younger attackers. Sanchez's professionalism and intensity could have a lasting effect on the squad. For MLS, it would be another feather in the cap, proof that the league can still attract players who have graced the biggest stages.

The big question is whether Sanchez can still deliver. His legs are older, but his mind and touch remain sharp. In a less physically demanding league, he could thrive. And for Messi, the chance to share a league with an old friend only adds to the growing sense that MLS has become a playground for legends.