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Doubts have been cast over whether a stunning GOAT union could take place in the US as time runs out for Cristiano Ronaldo to join up with eternal rival Lionel Messi in MLS.
Philippe Senderos has told GOAL that two all-time greats remain on “different paths” but the American game is being backed to create its own superstars as “soccer culture” continues to grow.
Messi and Ronaldo win trophies in America and Saudi Arabia
Argentine icon Messi decided to chase the American dream in 2023 when he joined forces with Inter Miami. Manchester United and England legend Sir David Beckham, as co-owner of Herons, helped make that deal possible.
He has watched the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner deliver Leagues Cup, Supporters’ Shield and MLS Cup glory in South Florida as the most decorated player in history continues to add to his glittering CV.
Ronaldo has done the same, with the evergreen front man still going strong at the age of 41. He has just enjoyed a Saudi Pro League title triumph with Al-Nassr and will join Messi at the 2026 World Cup – as they captain Portugal and Argentina respectively.
After finally landing major honors in the Middle East, questions have been raised as to whether CR7 – who remains keen to be team-mates with his son Cristiano Jr – could be tempted to take on a new challenge.
Beckham, as another legendary United No.7, is considered to be positioned to put a remarkable deal in place. Messi and Ronaldo have never made the same team before, so could it happen before both retire?
Should Messi and Ronaldo team up before they retire?
Asked if he would like to see the powers of two sporting superheroes combine, former Arsenal defender Senderos – who spent time with Houston Dynamo towards the end of his career – told GOAL while speaking in association with Spreadex Sport: “I think they chose different paths, of course, with Ronaldo coming to Saudi Arabia and Messi to the United States. It’s okay if they stay apart.
“I think now they are going towards the last part of their career. It would be great to see them already at the World Cup. We don’t know if we will see them in another World Cup, so it would be great for everyone to see already.”
Can MLS start producing more homegrown superstars?
Through two MVP-winning seasons in MLS, Messi has helped to raise the profile of American soccer. More big names are expected to follow him to the US, but will the collective focus eventually shift away from marquee imports and towards homegrown idols?
Responding to that question, Senderos said: “They are working a lot on this and developing the academies. Every MLS club now has an academy and they are working more and more towards the elite.
“Obviously they need Messis and big stars to give that appeal to the league and the big markets that have to be active, like Miami’s, New York’s, LA’s. But the US has huge potential.
“As we know, they have the resources, they have a huge population and the only thing is really to create this culture so that the players, like Messis and the big stars, can influence this and create this football culture.”
Messi contract extension makes Ronaldo Union possible
Messi will stick around for the foreseeable future after committing to a contract extension with Inter Miami until 2028. He continues to rewrite the history books and will be another to play after 40 years.
It remains to be seen whether Ronaldo will ever explore the possibility of sharing a dressing room with his comgeD – outside of future exhibition fixtures – with opinions divided when it comes to a transfer that would capture the imagination of a global audience.
2026 FIFA World Cup: How to watch
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will run from June 11 to July 19, 2026. Spread over three countries, the tournament will culminate with the final on July 19 at the New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. All 104 tournament games will be broadcast live across FOX (70) and FS1 (34) with every game streaming live and on-demand on both FOX One and the FOX Sports app. A record 40 games, more than a third of the tournament, are televised in prime time across FOX (21) and FS1 (19).
The June 11 opener between Mexico and South Africa (3 p.m. ET) will stream for free on Tubi, as will the USA’s June 12 opener against Paraguay (9 p.m. ET).
