Frustration aside, Messi’s MLS move has put Ronaldo’s SPL dalliance in the shade | OneFootball

The two greatest footballers of the 21st century are each enduring frustration towards the end of their glittering careers.

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo left European football in 2023 to embark on new adventures in the United States and Saudi Arabia, respectively.

Silverware has largely proved to be elusive for the superstar duo, with Messi the only one to get his hands on a trophy since leaving Paris Saint-Germain.

The Argentinian helped Inter Miami finish top of the Major League Soccer (MLS) standings last season, but the team ultimately came up short in the play-offs.

He has shown signs of frustration this term, most notably following the recent 4-1 victory over New York Red Bulls at Chase Stadium.

The result snapped a three-game losing streak for Miami, but Messi was not a happy camper after the game despite scoring the fourth goal.

He skipped the post-match celebrations to head straight down the tunnel after the game, leaving manager Javier Mascherano needing to explain his mindset.

Mascherano attributed Messi’s demeanour to his competitive nature, saying his demands on himself and his teammates are tremendously high.

Having spent his career playing alongside some of the world’s best players, Messi’s frustration at the lower level in MLS is understandable.

However, his demanding nature has ensured that Miami are still well placed in the regular season standings despite their recent blip.

While Miami have the ability to mount a sustained challenge for silverware this season, a different story has unfolded in the Middle East.

Ronaldo’s Saudi Pro League (SPL) switch is increasingly becoming an exercise in self-indulgence rather than a move that has led to him winning more trophies.

Al-Nassr recently crashed out of the AFC Champions League semi-finals after being eliminated by Japanese club Kawasaki Frontale.

Frustratingly for Ronaldo and his teammates, SPL rivals Al-Ahli subsequently clinched the title with a 2-0 victory in the final.

With Al-Nassr also out of the SPL title race, Ronaldo will end another season in the Middle East without winning silverware.

While he has continued to pad out his personal statistics, the Portuguese international is no longer a difference-maker in big games.

Despite the club’s massive investment to secure his services, he has made Al-Nassr worse since joining the club.

Messi’s frustration in MLS pales into insignificance when compared to how things have unfolded for Ronaldo in the SPL.

The Argentinian could still add to his legacy with Miami. By contrast, Ronaldo looks set to bow out of football with a whimper.