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Questions have been raised over whether a stunning GOAT union could take place in the United States as time runs out for Cristiano Ronaldo to join eternal rival Lionel Messi in MLS.
Philippe Senderos told GOAL that two all-time greats remain on “different paths” but that American soccer is being supported to create its own superstars as “soccer culture” continues to grow.
Messi and Ronaldo collecting trophies in the United States and Saudi Arabia
Argentine icon Messi decided to pursue the American dream in 2023 when he joined Inter Miami. Manchester United and England legend Sir David Beckham, as co-owner of the Herons, helped make that deal possible.
He has seen the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner achieve Leagues Cup, Supporters’ Shield and MLS Cup glory in South Florida, and the most decorated player in history continues to enhance his brilliant resume.
Ronaldo has been doing the same, and the enduring leader is still going strong at 41 years old. He has just tasted a Saudi Pro League title with Al-Nassr and will join Messi at the 2026 World Cup, as captains of Portugal and Argentina respectively.
Having finally achieved a major honor in the Middle East, questions have been raised over whether CR7, who remains interested in becoming team-mates with his son Cristiano Jr, could be tempted to take on another new challenge.
Beckham, like another legendary United number 7, is considered in a position to complete a notable deal. Messi and Ronaldo have never appeared on the same team before, so could that happen before they both retire?
Should Messi and Ronaldo join forces before retiring?
When 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 Sports Spreadex: “I think they chose different paths, obviously, with Ronaldo coming to Saudi Arabia and Messi in the United States. It’s fine if they stay separate.
“I think they are now reaching the last part of their career. It would be amazing to see them at the World Cup. We don’t know if we will see them at another World Cup, so it would be amazing if everyone saw it now.”
Can MLS start producing more local superstars?
Messi, over two MLS MVP-winning seasons, has helped raise the profile of American soccer. More big names are expected to follow him to the United States, but will the collective focus ultimately shift away from marquee imports and toward local idols?
Senderos responded to that question: “They are working hard on this and developing the academies. Every MLS club now has an academy and they are working more and more towards the elite.”
“They need, of course, Messi and the big stars to give this attraction to the league and the big markets that need to be active, like Miami, New York, Los Angeles. But the United States has enormous potential.
“As we know, they have resources, they have a huge population and the only thing you really have to do is create this culture so that the players, like the Messis and the big stars, can influence and create this football culture.”
Messi’s contract extension makes Ronaldo’s union possible
Messi will be staying for the foreseeable future, having committed to a contract extension with Inter Miami until 2028. He continues to rewrite the history books and will be another player to play with beyond the age of 40.
It remains to be seen if Ronaldo ever explores the option of sharing a dressing room with his fellow GOATs – outside of future exhibition matches – with opinions divided when it comes to a transfer that would capture the imagination of a global audience.
FIFA World Cup 2026: How to watch
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026. Spread across 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 matches of the tournament will be broadcast live on FOX (70) and FS1 (34) and each match will be streamed live and on-demand on both FOX One and the FOX Sports app. A record 40 matches, more than a third of the tournament, will be broadcast in prime time on FOX (21) and FS1 (19).
The June 11 opening match between Mexico and South Africa (3 p.m. ET) will be streamed for free on Tubi, as will the United States’ opening match against Paraguay on June 12 (9 p.m. ET).
