Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are shining far from Europe
Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo
Lionel Messi is one of the most successful players in soccer history along with Cristiano Ronaldo. Both dominated the football scene for years and today both away from elite football are still a topic of conversation. While Messi is in the United States, Cristiano Ronaldo is doing his thing from the Saudi Pro League in Saudi Arabia with Al Nassr.
Although Ronaldo’s departure from world football came earlier, the Argentine’s departure after the World Cup also seemed inevitable. The player did not live his best moments at PSG, so his departure would soon be from the Parisian team that bet on him in the summer of 2021 after a complicated exit from FC Barcelona. At first, everything seemed to indicate that Messi would return to the Spanish team. Nevertheless, he opted for Inter Miami in the MLS
Similarly, Cristiano Ronaldo opted to play in Saudi Arabia after a series of problems at Manchester United under manager Erik ten Hag. After not having offers in European football, the player’s departure was inevitable. On the other hand, the whole issue of indiscipline with the Dutch coach, caused that the Portuguese had no offers in European football, so he opted to sign with Al Nassr of Saudi Arabia in a league with little pressure and where he could enjoy his last years.
After his signing, a market opportunity opened up for players to migrate to the Saudi Pro League due to his interesting economic offers. At the moment, players like Neymar, Benzema, Sadio Mane, among others chose to move to the Middle Eastern country. The reality for Messi and Ronaldo today is different, however, both could face each other once again.
Last dance
According to international media, Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami could face Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr in February 2024 in a friendly tournament in Saudi Arabia called the Riyadh Season Cup. It should be noted that Messi and Inter Miami will not have activity until next year because they were eliminated and no longer have a chance to qualify for the MLS playoffs. At the moment, nothing has been confirmed