Al Nassr booked their spot in the 2025 Saudi Super Cup final with a 2-1 win over Al Ittihad, putting Cristiano Ronaldo in line for his third final since joining the club. Even though he and Lionel Messi now play on different continents, the comparisons between the two icons remain as strong as ever. So, how has Messi fared with Inter Miami during the same stretch?
Part of the comparisons come becauseMessiarrived in Major League Soccer just six months after Ronaldo signed with Al Nassr, meaning their tenures with their current clubs have been almost parallel. In those two years, Inter Miami have already reached two finals.
The first came almost immediately after Messi landed in Florida. He carried the Herons on an unforgettable run in the 2023 Leagues Cup, capping it off with the team’s first-ever trophy after a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Nashville SC.
Just weeks later, Inter Miami were back in another final, the 2023 U.S. Open Cup against Houston Dynamo. But this time, Messi missed the game with a muscle injury and had to watch from the sidelines as Miami fell 2-1.
Ronaldo’s finals with Al Nassr
Ronaldo’s path with Al Nassr has had its share of near-misses. His first chance at silverware came in the 2023–24 King’s Cup, where they drew 1-1 with Al Hilal but lost in penalties. The following year, Al Hilal spoiled the party again, cruising past Al Nassr 4-1 in the 2024 Saudi Super Cup, despite a Ronaldo goal.
There was one exception: Ronaldo did lift the 2023 Arab Club Champions Cup after Al Nassr edged Al Hilal 2-1 in the final. However, because the competition isn’t recognized by FIFA as an official tournament, it doesn’t appear on his official record.
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Messi vs Ronaldo: Title comparison
Looking strictly at sanctioned titles, the gap is clear. Since joining Al Nassr in late 2022, Ronaldo hasn’t won an official trophy with the club, despite chasing success in both domestic and continental competitions. After knocking out Al Ittihad in the semifinals, though, he now has a shot at his first official crown with the Saudi side—one that would mark the 37th title of his legendary career.
Messi, meanwhile, already has two pieces of silverware with Miami: the 2023 Leagues Cup and the 2024 MLS Supporters’ Shield. Playoff success has been harder to come by, but his impact on the team is undeniable. Overall, the Argentine has now collected 46 official titles across his club and international career.
