Former Manchester United defender Wes Brown has called for Cristiano Ronaldo to write the next chapter of his illustrious career in Major League Soccer, potentially setting up one final rivalry with Lionel Messi. The Portuguese superstar’s contract with Al-Nassr expires in 2025, opening the door for what could be the last great showdown between football’s most celebrated icons.
Brown, who shared a dressing room with Ronaldo during their time at Old Trafford, believes the timing could be perfect for CR7 to follow Messi’s path to American shores. Speaking to The Sports Daily, Brown emphasized Ronaldo’s remarkable fitness and continuing goal-scoring prowess, suggesting the five-time Ballon d’Or winner could make a significant impact in the MLS.
Ronaldo’s current form in Saudi Arabia certainly supports Brown’s assessment. The 38-year-old phenomenon has already netted 16 goals in the current campaign, following an impressive 50-goal haul in 2023-24. These numbers surpass Messi’s 23-goal contribution for Inter Miami last season, demonstrating that Ronaldo’s legendary scoring touch remains undiminished.
The prospect of a Messi-Ronaldo reunion in America would represent a fitting finale to their decades-long rivalry. Messi’s impact on MLS has been immediate, securing both the Supporters’ Shield and MVP honors in 2024. His presence has dramatically elevated the league’s profile, suggesting that Ronaldo’s potential arrival could catalyze even greater growth for American soccer.
Ronaldo’s stated ambition to continue playing beyond his upcoming 40th birthday aligns with the growing trend of elite players extending their careers in MLS. His goal of reaching 1,000 career goals adds another compelling narrative to any potential move stateside, where he could chase this milestone while competing against his eternal rival.
The timing of Ronaldo’s potential availability in 2025 coincides with the final year of Messi’s current contract at Inter Miami, creating a narrow window for what could be the last chapter in football’s greatest individual rivalry. Brown believes this opportunity is too significant to ignore, stating, “He has been to a few places now and I’d love to see him add America to the list.
Ronaldo’s journey from Saudi sensation to potential MLS star would mirror Messi’s transition, though their paths to this point have differed significantly. While Messi arrived in Miami fresh from World Cup glory and a stint at Paris Saint-Germain, Ronaldo’s Saudi Arabian adventure has seen him maintain his extraordinary scoring standards in a rapidly developing league.
The Al-Nassr striker’s current form suggests he could make an immediate impact in MLS, much as he has done at every stop in his remarkable career. His ability to “hand pick where he wants to play next,” as Brown notes, puts him in a unique position to orchestrate this potential final act on the global stage.
As both legends approach the twilight of their careers, the possibility of their paths crossing one final time in America offers an intriguing prospect for football fans worldwide. Their potential reunion in MLS would not only provide compelling sporting drama but could also represent a defining moment in the league’s evolution.
With Ronaldo showing no signs of slowing down and Messi already establishing himself as MLS’s brightest star, the stage could be set for one last dance between two of football’s greatest ever players. As Brown suggests, this move seems not just possible but perhaps inevitable for a player who has consistently sought out new challenges throughout his extraordinary career.
