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ZURICH, SWITZERLAND – JANUARY 12: FIFA Ballon d’Or nominees Lionel Messi of Argentina and FC Barcelona (L) and Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal and Real Madrid smile during the FIFA Ballon d’Or Gala 2014 at the Kongresshaus on January 12, 2015 in Zurich, Switzerland. (Photo by Philipp Schmidli/Getty Images)
via Getty
ZURICH, SWITZERLAND – JANUARY 12: FIFA Ballon d’Or nominees Lionel Messi of Argentina and FC Barcelona (L) and Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal and Real Madrid smile during the FIFA Ballon d’Or Gala 2014 at the Kongresshaus on January 12, 2015 in Zurich, Switzerland. (Photo by Philipp Schmidli/Getty Images)
Ask any soccer fan out there about their favorite player. Most answers will be Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi. The two GOATs have ruled over the generation. Their rivalry in La Liga was the greatest ever. However, it became routine when they won ten consecutive Ballon d’Or awards between them.
Both set of fans kept reigniting the rivalry despite Ronaldo moving to Juventus, and then to Manchester United. As fans, we never realized that two stars are aging and we might not see them playing at the highest level. However, recent rumors are showing the same as both are subject to a move away from European soccer.
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Fans are all but praise for both Superstars
Fans have responded to the transfer news of Ronaldo and Messi. It will be difficult for the fans to see them play outside of Europe, although this hasn’t stopped fans from praising the superstars.
they both getting the bag a goat careers. let them
— 💎 (@fukahmd) November 27, 2022
Messi going to the MLS and Ronaldo on his way to Saudi Arabia, really is end of an era…
— Alexei (@MUFC_redarmy99) November 27, 2022
I bet Ronaldo going to Saudi is partly because Messi is going to MLS.
Ronaldo’s outlasted him at the top so can’t be criticised for his move.
Going to Saudi will help him get absolute bucketloads of goals, could end up with more than Messi when they both retire.
Sad times pic.twitter.com/qR8p198oCJ
— United Thoughts (@UnitedThoughts5) November 27, 2022
Ronaldo is off to Saudi Arabia and Messi is off to the MLS…
All eras must come to an end but it’s been a pleasure watching them both throughout the years. 🐐
— . (@utdXera) November 27, 2022
Cristiano Ronaldo – First and only player to score in 5 World Cups.
Leo Messi – First and only player to assist in 5 world cups.
Era is about to end we still witnessing the greatness.
— kAbindrA kOiralA (@AlphyProgrammer) November 28, 2022
Brazil’s Marquinhos: "I think what happens with these players is that Messi is not Argentine and Cristiano is not Portuguese. They go beyond that. They are a privilege for football. For people who love this sport, they are a treasure that doesn't just belong to their countries."
— Bolarinwa Olajide (@iambolar) November 28, 2022
Some fans have gone further and want to see Ronaldo and Messi play for the same club.
Would love to see Messi and Ronaldo play together go on @InterMiamiCF sign Cristiano too please 🙏🏽 https://t.co/OgbNw3mE5P
— jr (@jrofsadlier) November 28, 2022
Messi and Cristiano. Both to Inter Miami
— Mauro 🇺🇸 (@Mauro_USA_) November 28, 2022
With rumors about #LionelMessi moving to @InterMiamiCF I think it only right that #DavidBeckham pick up the phone and call fellow, & currently unemployed, @ManUtd alum @Cristiano & try to sign him SO FINALLY MESSI AND RONALDO CAN PLAY ON THE SAME TEAM AND CONQUER THE UNIVERSE!!!
— Andre T (@Feisty_Finance) November 28, 2022
Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi dominated European soccer for over a decade
European soccer saw the dominance of Ronaldo and Messi over the years. It was at its peak from 2008 to 2017. Ronaldo and Messi were breaking records. La Liga gained popularity when Ronaldo moved to Real Madrid and the rivalry between the players started. They won almost everything on individual and team levels, however, are yet to win World Cup.
via Getty
MONACO, MONACO – AUGUST 29: Cristiano Ronaldo of Juventus, Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona and Virgil Van Dijk of Liverpool react during the UEFA Champions League Draw, part of the UEFA European Club Football Season Kick-Off 2019/2020 at Salle des Princes, Grimaldi Forum on August 29, 2019 in Monaco, Monaco. (Photo by Harold Cunningham – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)
Meanwhile, as per the latest transfer news, Ronaldo is generating interest from Saudi Arabia. Leo Messi is subject to transfer speculation from MLS club Inter Miami. Both the players are linked with big money moves. Ronaldo may go to Saudi Arabia in January as he is out of contract. However, Messi will have to wait until the 2023 summer transfer window.
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We might have seen Ronaldo’s last game in club football in Europe. The ongoing FIFA World Cup might be the last big competition for Ronaldo. Messi still has time remaining in his contract and he can rethink his future. Whatever the future holds for the two players, we have seen their peak.
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Watch This Story: Cristiano Ronaldo vs Lionel Messi Net Worth Comparison
Let us know in the comments whether Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi will be playing outside Europe next season or not. Will there be any big rivalries like Ronaldo and Messi in the future?
