Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo continue to keep pushing boundaries in professional football, despite being in the veteran stage of their respective careers.
They have already established their legacies in European football, but are now on a mission to make a lasting impact elsewhere in the world. Read on as we take a closer look.
The Messi Revolution Sweeps America
Messi shocked the world by joining Major League Soccer (MLS) club Inter Miami in 2023. It was a seismic moment for the sport in North America.
The MLS acquired one of the greatest footballers of the 21st century, and his presence was immediately felt as attendance numbers soared.
Apple TV's fledgling MLS Season Pass streaming service was struggling to garner viewers, but his signing generated a dramatic spike in subscriptions.
Messi’s pink Miami shirt became one of the most sought-after jerseys in American sports history. He gave the MLS legitimacy and broadcasters worldwide eagerly jumped on the bandwagon.
For young players who grew up idolising him, his presence in the MLS has encouraged them to pursue dreams of playing professional football.
Ronaldo Singlehandedly Sparks a Transformation
Ronaldo’s decision to join Al-Nassr in early 2023 was initially seen as a retirement payday, but it soon became clear that there was more to it.
He has bagged goals and assists with reckless abandon in the Middle East, showcasing the hunger that made him one of the most feared forwards in the modern game.
His competitive fire still burns bright and has sparked a transformation for the Saudi Pro League (SPL). His merchandise sold out and revenue soared. Social media engagement has been massive.
Ronaldo has elevated Al-Nassr and the entire SPL. His arrival paved the way for other marquee signings, such as Karim Benzema, Neymar and N’Golo Kante.
Thanks to Ronaldo's arrival, Saudi Arabia has been able to project an image of ambition and modernity as part of its plans to diversify its economy.
The world now looks at the Middle Eastern nation through a more liberal lens, and Ronaldo has played a key role in making this happen.
The Hidden Influence: From Stadiums to Societies
While Messi and Ronaldo have used their influence to bolster the standing of their respective leagues on the global stage, their impact has been different.
Messi's effect has been cultural and developmental. He has embedded himself into America's grassroots ecosystem to encourage investment and legitimise MLS worldwide.
His recently touted Messi Cup is the perfect example of his dedication to helping the league develop from the ground up.
Young players from Messi's favourite teams, including Miami, Chelsea, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, Inter Milan and Manchester City, will compete at the tournament.
The Argentine is establishing a solid legacy in America, one which is focused on youth development and overall improvement.
Ronaldo's influence is undoubtedly more geopolitical. Saudi Arabia was eager to muscle into football circles, and his presence has facilitated their access.
The SPL has secured exciting partnerships and international broadcasting deals. Club sponsorships have multiplied. Ronaldo has played central role in changing attitudes.
His arrival also caused a spike in sports-related gambling, which has traditionally been frowned upon in nations across the Middle East.
Neighbouring countries such as the United Arab Emirates have moved quickly to capitalise by establishing a regulatory organisation to oversee the betting industry.
Ronaldo's exploits have spurred online betting in the UAE, where fans are backing him to retain the Golden Boot and clinch the league title with Al-Nassr.
The Gulf nation, which is also on course to open its first land-based casino, is embracing betting. Ronaldo is now indirectly a symbol of Middle Eastern modernisation.
Legacies Beyond the Game
Messi has helped make the MLS a respected league, while Ronaldo has helped Saudi Arabia make a statement of intent.
While Messi is taking football into the American mainstream, Ronaldo is the catalyst behind a national transformation.
The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star is nurturing the future while his arch-rival is expanding football's reach.
Both players have become symbols of how modern football has become an instrument of global identity, economics and diplomacy.
The debate about who was the better player will rage for decades, but they have adeptly used their influence to build football's next frontier in the twilight of their careers.