When Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo left European football in 2023, many wondered how their careers would unfold in the unfamiliar settings of Major League Soccer and the Saudi Pro League. Since then, both players have delivered standout performances, continuing to shape football history well into the final chapters of their playing days. Their moves brought heightened attention to two very different leagues, each with its own challenges and advantages.
For those looking to analyze and engage more deeply with these matchups, platforms like Melbet gh offer relevant markets for both competitions. Be sure to read until the end of this article — a special gift is waiting: a promo code from Melbet.com.gh that boosts your welcome bonus upon account creation. Affiliate partners can also get personal promo codes to attract more registrations through tailored offers.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Rise in the Saudi Pro League
Cristiano Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr in January 2023, following the World Cup in Qatar. His debut campaign saw him score 14 goals in 16 matches, quickly adapting to a league known for its growing investment and talent. His first full season in 2023-24 was even more remarkable: 35 goals and 11 assists in 31 appearances, earning him the league’s Golden Boot.
Ronaldo’s consistency remained impressive in the 2024-25 season, as he maintained a scoring average of a goal every 98.5 minutes. By the end of that campaign, he had tallied 72 goals and 16 assists in 74 league matches for Al-Nassr. This level of output has kept him on pace to chase his long-stated goal of reaching 1,000 career goals.
The Portuguese forward has embraced his leadership role in Saudi Arabia, becoming a focal point of the league’s global marketing and a crowd-puller at every away game. His impact stretches far beyond numbers, influencing the profile of Saudi football in ways previously unseen.
Lionel Messi’s Impact in Major League Soccer
Messi arrived in MLS in July 2023, joining Inter Miami midway through the season. With the league’s calendar running from spring to fall, he was limited to just six appearances in his debut campaign. However, it didn’t take long for the Argentine to make his mark.
In 2024, during his first full MLS season, Messi tallied 30 goal contributions in just 19 games, helping Inter Miami secure the Supporters’ Shield with a league-best 74 points. Injuries slightly limited his time on the pitch, but his on-field influence remained undeniable when fit.
Heading into the 2025 season, Messi had already logged three goals and two assists in the opening five matches. While his minutes have been managed more carefully due to fitness concerns, his technical precision and decision-making continue to set him apart.
Scoring Efficiency Compared
Looking strictly at the numbers, Ronaldo has logged 72 goals in 74 Saudi Pro League games, averaging a goal every 89.4 minutes. When removing penalties, his average shifts to one goal every 123.7 minutes. Add in 16 assists, and his goal contribution rate sits at every 73.1 minutes.
Messi, on the other hand, has made 30 MLS appearances, contributing 24 goals and 14 assists. This gives him a goal every 93.9 minutes and a goal contribution every 59.3 minutes, making him slightly more efficient overall despite fewer games.
What stands out is Messi’s playmaking edge. While Ronaldo leans more toward finishing, Messi’s dual role as both creator and scorer is clearly visible in his contribution stats.
Influence Beyond Goals and Assists
Ronaldo’s arrival brought immediate commercial uplift to Al-Nassr and the league at large. From merchandise sales to broadcast rights, his presence has had a ripple effect across the region. Stadium attendance surged, and his matches have consistently drawn international coverage.
Messi’s signing by Inter Miami mirrored that commercial wave. Ticket sales skyrocketed, and global interest in MLS intensified. His presence also influenced signings of other international stars, raising the league’s competitive ceiling.
Both players, in their own way, have become ambassadors of global football outside Europe, changing perceptions about the value and competitiveness of non-European leagues.
League Strength and Context
The Saudi Pro League has become known for its aggressive recruitment of high-profile players, offering strong financial incentives and investing in infrastructure. Clubs like Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr have raised the competition level significantly.
MLS, while structured differently with salary caps and franchise models, offers a more balanced competitive field. The league prioritizes parity, which makes sustained dominance more difficult, but also encourages tight, strategic play.
Each league presents distinct tactical and logistical challenges, and both players have had to adapt accordingly. Messi’s control in confined spaces and Ronaldo’s off-the-ball movement have both found new ways to thrive.
Legacy Moves or Career Masterstrokes?
Critics initially viewed these moves as semi-retirement, but the level of competition and the players’ commitment have dispelled that notion. For Ronaldo, leading the Saudi scoring charts adds to his legacy as a relentless goal-scorer across all levels.
For Messi, guiding Inter Miami to the top of the league table and transforming their style of play is a different kind of legacy—one rooted in creativity and influence. Both players continue to perform at a high level well past what was once considered the prime age for footballers.
Rather than winding down, both are redefining what it means to compete and excel globally.
Fan Culture and Global Reach
In Saudi Arabia, Ronaldo’s games have become high-profile events. Supporters across the country travel to catch a glimpse of him in action, while fan merchandise sales remain strong.
In the U.S., Messi has brought a similar wave. Inter Miami matches are now broadcast internationally, and ticket resale prices have reached record highs. From kids wearing pink jerseys to celebrities attending matches, the cultural impact has been widespread.
Both players have managed to create new fanbases in regions where European football traditionally dominated attention, proving their influence goes far beyond their roots.
Stats Meet Strategy: Back Your Favourite on Melbet Ghana
For fans who enjoy comparing players not just by allegiance but by data, Melbet Ghana provides betting opportunities on both the MLS and Saudi Pro League. The platform supports detailed market options that reflect both team and individual performance stats.
Those registering on Melbet.com.gh can enhance their welcome bonus by using the promo code MELBONUS during sign-up. Partners also have the chance to generate their own personalized promo codes to create custom promotions and increase user engagement.
Conclusion
Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have continued to write new chapters in their illustrious careers, far from the spotlight of Europe. Their individual styles have found success in different environments, each bringing a unique flavor to their respective leagues.
While Ronaldo’s focus remains firmly on goal-scoring milestones, Messi continues to dictate tempo and shape attacking phases like few others in the game. Neither path is superior—just different ways of achieving excellence.
As fans, the opportunity to watch both legends still competing at a high level is a privilege. Their presence elevates not just their clubs, but the global profile of the leagues they now call home.
