SouthernWorldwide.com – Doubts are growing regarding the possibility of a sensational reunion between football legends Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi in Major League Soccer (MLS), as the window for such a move narrows.
Philippe Senderos, a former Arsenal defender, has expressed his view that the two all-time greats are currently on “different paths.” However, he remains optimistic about the development of American soccer, emphasizing its growing “football culture” and potential to cultivate its own superstars.
Lionel Messi, the Argentine icon, made the decision to pursue the “American dream” in 2023 by joining Inter Miami. The move was significantly facilitated by Sir David Beckham, a co-owner of the club and a legendary figure for Manchester United and England.
Since his arrival, Messi has achieved remarkable success with Inter Miami, leading them to victory in the Leagues Cup, the Supporters’ Shield, and the MLS Cup. The most decorated player in football history continues to add to his already illustrious career achievements.
Cristiano Ronaldo, the Portuguese superstar, has also maintained his high level of performance at the age of 41. He recently celebrated a Saudi Pro League title triumph with Al-Nassr and is set to participate in the 2026 World Cup, where he will captain Portugal, while Messi will lead Argentina.
Read more : Thomas Criticizes SCOTUS Ruling on Florida's Illegal Immigrant Trucker Lawsuit
Following his recent success in Saudi Arabia, questions have arisen about whether Ronaldo, who has expressed a desire to play alongside his son Cristiano Jr., might be tempted by another new challenge.
Beckham, himself a former Manchester United number seven, is seen as being in a prime position to broker such a monumental deal. The prospect of Messi and Ronaldo, who have never played on the same team, uniting before their eventual retirements is a tantalizing one.
When asked about the potential for these two sporting superheroes to combine their talents, Senderos, who had a spell with Houston Dynamo towards the end of his playing career, shared his thoughts with GOAL in association with Spreadex Sports. “I think they chose different paths, obviously, with Ronaldo coming to Saudi Arabia and Messi in the US,” he stated. “It’s okay if they stay apart.”
“I think now they’re coming towards the last part of their career,” Senderos continued. “It would be amazing already to see them at the World Cup. We don’t know if we’re going to see them in another World Cup so that would be amazing for everyone to see already.”
Messi’s presence in MLS has undoubtedly elevated the profile of American soccer, with the Argentine maestro already securing two MVP awards. It is anticipated that more high-profile players will follow his lead to the United States. However, there is also a growing discussion about whether the league’s focus might eventually shift from marquee international signings to nurturing homegrown talent.
Addressing this point, Senderos highlighted the significant efforts being made in developing academies across the league. “They are working a lot on this and developing the academies,” he said. “Every MLS club now has an academy and they are working more and more towards the elite.”
“They need, of course, the Messi’s and big stars to give this appeal to the league and the big markets that need to be active, like the Miami’s, the New York’s, the LA’s,” Senderos added. “But the US has huge potential.”
“As we know, they have resources, they have a huge population and the only thing is really creating this culture so the players, like the Messis and the big stars, can influence this and create this football culture,” he concluded.
Messi has committed his future to Inter Miami, signing a contract extension that will keep him at the club through 2028. He continues to break records and is expected to play beyond the age of 40.
It remains uncertain whether Ronaldo will ever pursue the opportunity to share a club dressing room with his fellow GOAT, outside of potential exhibition matches. Opinions are divided on the likelihood and desirability of a transfer that would undoubtedly capture global attention.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is scheduled to take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026. Hosted across three nations, the tournament will conclude with the final on July 19 at the New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. All 104 matches will be broadcast live on FOX and FS1, with every game available for streaming live and on-demand through the FOX One and FOX Sports apps. A record 40 matches, representing over a third of the tournament, will be aired in prime time across FOX and FS1.
The opening match on June 11 between Mexico and South Africa, kicking off at 3 p.m. ET, will be streamed for free on Tubi. Additionally, the opening match for the USA against Paraguay on June 12 at 9 p.m. ET will also be available for free streaming.
