The debate over which global superstar could have most profoundly altered the landscape of Major League Soccer (MLS) has flared up once again, thanks to recent comments from Brek Shea, a former Inter Miami player and United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) midfielder. As Lionel Messi continues to dazzle on the pitch for Inter Miami, Shea’s assertion that Cristiano Ronaldo would have left an even bigger mark—particularly off the field—has reignited a rivalry that’s as much about charisma and cultural fit as it is about goals and trophies.
Shea, who played for Inter Miami until 2022 and earned 34 caps for the USMNT, didn’t mince words when he spoke to Spanish outlet MARCA. "I think Cristiano Ronaldo would have had a bigger impact on MLS than Lionel Messi," Shea remarked. "No disrespect to Messi, but Messi seems like a homebody. He’s very quiet. He still doesn’t speak the language well. So I just think Ronaldo seems more outgoing, he does more things in the public eye." For Shea, the question isn’t about Messi’s on-field brilliance—few would dare challenge that—but rather about which player’s personality and media savvy would better mesh with the American sporting zeitgeist.
The numbers certainly support Messi’s transformative effect since his arrival at Inter Miami in 2023. Attendance at MLS games has soared by roughly 20 percent, and global streaming of matches has doubled, signaling a seismic shift in the league’s international profile. Inter Miami’s brand has exploded, with fans from as far afield as Fiji and Anchorage donning the club’s now-iconic pink jersey. Social media engagement has surged, and, perhaps most tellingly, Messi has become the first soccer player—and the first international athlete—to top the list of America’s favorite professional athletes, surpassing household names like LeBron James and Patrick Mahomes.
Yet, as Shea and others have pointed out, Messi’s impact off the pitch is often measured in quieter terms. "I think just for [those] reasons, speaking the language, giving interviews, I think he would have automatically had a bigger impact," Shea added, focusing on the Portuguese star’s extroverted style and command of English. "I’m talking strictly about things off the field. I don’t know if he would have achieved the same numbers, but a bigger impact? Yes, he would have had that." Shea’s comments, amplified by outlets like Diario Olé and USMNT Only, have stoked a familiar debate: is stardom in the MLS best measured by goals and silverware, or by cultural resonance and media magnetism?
The contrast with Ronaldo is stark. While Messi’s arrival brought a commercial windfall—adding more than 10 million new fans who now name an MLS player as their favorite athlete and generating hundreds of millions of dollars in new league revenue—Ronaldo’s hypothetical fit in the US is often imagined as even more seamless. His outgoing nature, frequent media appearances, and fluency in English are seen as assets that would have accelerated the league’s visibility and integration into the broader American entertainment industry. As Shea put it, "Ronaldo comes across as more extroverted and does more things in the public eye."
Messi’s playing record in MLS is nothing short of spectacular. Since joining Inter Miami, he has collected two MLS MVP awards, a Golden Boot, and led the team to the MLS Cup, Supporters’ Shield, and Leagues Cup. In just 53 regular-season games, Messi has netted 50 goals and provided 35 assists—a haul that would make even his harshest critics pause. His presence has also turned Inter Miami matches into celebrity affairs, with the likes of Will Smith, LeBron James, Kim Kardashian, and Serena Williams regularly spotted in the stands. Despite his reserved demeanor and limited English, Messi’s draw is undeniable.
But what about Ronaldo? The Portuguese icon’s flirtation with MLS was more than just a rumor. In 2022, Sporting Kansas City made a serious bid to bring Ronaldo stateside, offering a package of salary and business ventures comparable to Messi’s Miami deal. Ultimately, Ronaldo chose to sign with Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, where his two-year contract extension reportedly nets him a staggering $400 million. By comparison, Messi earns $20.5 million per season from Inter Miami, along with a share of Apple TV subscriptions for MLS matches and other commercial benefits.
Ronaldo’s presence in the US, though sporadic in recent years, is set to increase again soon. After a decade largely spent away from American shores—save for a well-publicized celebration in Las Vegas after Portugal’s Euro 2016 triumph and a recent visit to the White House—Ronaldo is scheduled to return in March 2026, when Portugal faces the USMNT in a pre-World Cup friendly in Atlanta. The anticipation around his return only fuels speculation about what could have been if he’d chosen MLS over Saudi Arabia.
Messi’s relationship with the American sports media, meanwhile, reflects broader cultural differences. As MLS Commissioner Don Garber noted, "The international football community just thinks about their relationship with the media very differently than the North American media does. I do believe that all of our players and all of our coaches... are going to have to embrace access." Messi’s reserved approach stands in contrast to the US sports industry’s expectation of constant engagement and visibility. Still, the results speak for themselves: Inter Miami’s matches are must-see events, and the league’s profile has never been higher.
Looking ahead, Messi’s future remains a topic of fascination, especially regarding his role with Argentina. Approaching 39, he has yet to formally retire from international duty and has hinted that the MLS calendar—with its meaningful breaks and fewer matches—could help him stay fit for major tournaments. "Our season is different from the European one," Messi explained. "We’ll have a pre-season in between, with few matches leading up to the World Cup, and we’ll see how things go day by day." His comments suggest a calculated approach to longevity, balancing club and country commitments as his career enters its twilight.
So, who truly would have had the greater impact on MLS—Messi or Ronaldo? The answer might depend on what you value most: the quiet, relentless excellence of a generational talent, or the brash, media-savvy presence of a global icon. As the league continues to grow, the debate over which superstar could have best accelerated its rise is sure to linger. One thing’s for certain: the arrival of Messi—and the ongoing speculation about Ronaldo—has forever changed the conversation around soccer in America.
