Al Nassr have been eliminated from the King’s Cup after Cristiano Ronaldo missed a penalty against Al Taawoun that would have leveled the game. This missed opportunity means the Portuguese star has lost a chance to add another title with his Saudi Arabian side. But how many trophies has Ronaldo won in Saudi Arabia compared to Lionel Messi’s achievements with Inter Miami?
Since joining Al Nassr in January 2023, Ronaldo has lifted only one trophy with the club. In August of that same year, he scored twice in a 2-1 victory over Al Hilal, securing the Arab Club Champions Cup for his team. Unfortunately for Ronaldo, this title does not count as an official FIFA-recognized trophy.
Lionel Messi, by contrast, has won two official titles since arriving at Inter Miami. His first came in August 2023 when Inter Miami triumphed over Nashville in a tense 10-9 penalty shootout to clinch the Leagues Cup. Messi then helped secure a second title in October 2024, when Inter Miami finished atop the MLS regular season standings, claiming the Supporters’ Shield with 74 points.
Now, as Inter Miami head into the Eastern Conference semifinals against Atlanta United, Messi has a chance to further widen the title gap with Ronaldo in the near future.
Lionel Messi #10 and Inter Miami lift the Supporters’ Shield after defeating New England Revolution at Chase Stadium on October 19, 2024 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
What’s left for Ronaldo and Messi?
Ronaldo’s journey with Al Nassr in the 2024-25 Saudi Pro League is just beginning, and the team remains in contention for the 2024/25 AFC Champions League. However, the Portuguese will need to wait until next year for another shot at a trophy with Al Nassr, marking 2024 as a rare trophyless year for the soccer star.
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As for Lionel Messi, Inter Miami are competing in the MLS playoffs after securing first place in the league standings. David Beckham’s team is currently matched against Atlanta United in the Eastern Conference semifinals, aiming for more silverware this season.
Missed titles for Messi and Ronaldo in 2024
Both soccer icons had multiple chances to add to their trophy collections in 2024 but fell short in crucial stages. Ronaldo’s Al Nassr suffered several near-misses: they were eliminated by Al Ain in the AFC Champions League quarterfinals, lost to Al Hilal 2-1 in the Super Cup semifinals, and fell to Al Hilal again in the 2023-24 King’s Cup final.
Messi and Inter Miami also experienced disappointment in international competitions. They faced elimination by Mexican club Monterrey in the CONCACAF Champions Cup quarterfinals. Then, in August, they exited the Leagues Cup in the round of 16 after a close 3-2 defeat to Columbus Crew.
