Although Cristiano Ronaldo is under contract with Al Nassr through June 2027, the 41-year-old’s future has once again become a topic of debate.
However, among the many options that could come his way, a former player has advised “Bicho” not to follow in Lionel Messi’s footsteps and to avoid signing with Major League Soccer, as he risks damaging his reputation.
CR7 urged to stay away from Messi and MLS
Beyond his impressive career-filled with titles, records, and extraordinary longevity-the decision regarding his next destination could influence how he is remembered. For some experts, such as Bradley Wright-Phillips, MLS is not the ideal setting for Cristiano’s final chapter.
Speaking to Covers.com (via GOAL), the former New York Red Bulls forward has sparked debate by advising the Portugal captain not to join the U.S. league.
According to the former player, Cristiano might struggle to replicate the “magic” that Lionel Messi still displays playing for Inter Miami starting in 2023, something that could jeopardize his career and legacy:
I don’t want to see Cristiano Ronaldo in MLS – it’s too late in his career now. Lionel Messi is still at a level where he can beat players one-one-one. But I’m not sure if Cristiano can still create that magic. So if he’s not in the right form, an MLS move could ruin his legacy.
Although many soccer fans still hold onto the hope of seeing CR7 play in MLS and reignite the historic rivalry with Messi, this isn’t the best move according to Wright-Phillips, who also compared the Portuguese star’s situation to Giroud’s:
If I think about Olivier Giroud’s performances at LAFC, it was tough to watch as an Arsenal fan, because he wasn’t getting the service he needed and he was a shadow of himself, which was kind of sad. I’d worry the same might happen to Cristiano. If he came, it would shine a light on a league I love, but I don’t see it happening in all honesty.
Meanwhile, looking at the present, Cristiano is coming off a recovery from a hamstring injury that kept him off the field for a month.
With his latest goal in the Saudi Pro League against Al-Okhdood on Saturday, April 11, CR7 has now scored 25 goals in 28 matches with Al-Nassr this season, bringing his career total to 968 goals, a figure that makes him the all-time leading scorer.
Meanwhile, Al-Nassr’s next match will be against Al-Ettifaq this Wednesday, April 15, at 2:00 PM ET. On the other hand, Lionel Messi and Inter Miami will face the Colorado Rapids this Saturday, April 18, at 4:30 PM ET.
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