Lionel Messi has rewritten the history books at Inter Miami, but MLS has been told that Cristiano Ronaldo would have made an even greater impact in the United States.
The two icons went separate ways in 2023, with Ronaldo choosing a move to Al-Nassr after leaving Manchester United, while Messi joined Inter Miami following the end of his PSG contract.
Messi has since lifted the Leagues Cup, Supporters’ Shield and MLS Cup, while also winning the Golden Boot and back-to-back MVP awards. He has signed a contract extension through to 2028.
Despite that success, [Jackpot City Casino reports] former Inter Miami and USMNT player Brek Shea believes Ronaldo would have resonated more in America off the pitch.
“I think Cristiano Ronaldo would have had a bigger impact in MLS than Lionel Messi,” Shea said.
“No disrespect to Messi, but Messi seems very quiet… Ronaldo seems more outgoing and does more things in the public eye.”
Shea stressed he was speaking about off-field influence rather than statistics, adding that Ronaldo’s personality and media presence could have elevated MLS even further.
Speculation has also surfaced over a potential Messi-Ronaldo reunion in the United States. Former Manchester United coach Rene Meulensteen suggested Miami or Los Angeles could be ideal destinations for the Portuguese star.
Ronaldo, however, remains contracted to Al-Nassr until 2027 and is not expected to move imminently, though he will appear at the 2026 World Cup.
Messi, meanwhile, remains central to MLS plans. Shea admitted Inter Miami “could not let Lionel Messi go,” pointing to the global spread of pink jerseys and the club’s upcoming move to Freedom Park.
Inter Miami will open their new stadium next season with Messi in place, alongside Luis Suarez, who has agreed a 12-month extension, as the club continues to build around its global superstar.