Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have recently expressed similar thoughts about nearing the end of their illustrious football careers.
Both legends, now in the twilight of their careers, have transitioned to new leagues: Messi to Major League Soccer with Inter Miami and Ronaldo to the Saudi Pro League with Al Nassr. Despite continuing to shine with their respective clubs, they acknowledge that their playing days are numbered.
Messi, who joined Inter Miami last July after two decades in Europe with Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain. Has been impressive with 12 goals and 13 assists in 12 matches. In a conversation with ESPN Argentina, he admitted that Inter Miami is likely “going to be my last club,” acknowledging that “there’s not a lot of time left” in his career.
“I’ve done this all of my life,” said the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner. “I love playing ball. I enjoy the practices and the day-to-day, the games. Yeah, there’s a bit of fear that it’s all ending. It’s always there. It was a difficult step leaving Europe to come here [Miami].”
Following Argentina’s World Cup victory in Qatar in 2022, Messi has adopted a new outlook on life, cherishing the remaining time he has on the pitch. “The fact we won the World Cup helped, it helped a lot, to see things in another way,” he said. “But I try not to think about it. I try to enjoy it. I do that more now because I’m aware that there’s not a lot of time left.”
Similarly, Ronaldo, who netted two goals in Portugal’s recent Euro 2024 warm-up match against Ireland, is well aware that his football career is nearing its end. At 39, he is excited about his sixth – and potentially final – European Championship.
“I know I don’t have many years of football left,” Ronaldo said. “It’s a gift to play year after year, after 35. I’m 39 and every year is about enjoying [myself]. To score for the national team is special. The national team is the love of my life, winning the Euros would be a dream.”
In his first full season with Al Nassr since signing in December 2022, Ronaldo recorded 35 goals and 11 assists, setting a new record in the Saudi Pro League. He remains passionate about captaining Portugal, cherishing every moment on the national team.
“For me, playing for the national team is a passion, a love,” he said. “Any game is special, a European Championship is special, it will be my sixth, which is also a record. Playing in 2004, when I made my [European Championship] debut, or playing today, the feeling is always of pride and passion. It doesn’t get any better than this.”
Both Messi and Ronaldo’s reflections underscore their enduring love for the game and the bittersweet reality of their careers coming to a close.
Leave a Reply