Anderson Says Messi-Ronaldo Rivalry Will Keep Both Stars Going
Lionel Messi remains committed to Inter Miami until 2028, while Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr contract is due to end next summer. Neither veteran has signalled an imminent retirement, and former Manchester United midfielder Anderson believes their long-running rivalry will keep both pushing on.
Quick facts
- Ronaldo and Messi have collected 13 Ballon d’Or awards between them.
- Both are closing in on 1,000 career goals, with Ronaldo currently ahead.
- Messi is 39 and Ronaldo is 41, but both continue to compete for club and country.
- Ronaldo recently withdrew himself from Portugal’s latest squad.
- Neymar could become a free agent when his Santos deal ends, with a possible Miami move still being discussed.
Anderson, who played alongside Ronaldo at Old Trafford, said the two modern greats remain aware of each other’s output even after their Real Madrid and Barcelona years. He believes each scorer’s big performance provides fresh motivation for the other.
“They care about each other and want the best,” Anderson said. “If Messi sees Cristiano score twice, he wants two goals as well. That is the mentality of elite players.”
He described their pursuit of four figures in goals as extraordinary, placing them alongside the very small group of historic forwards to have approached that territory. Ronaldo began his senior career before Messi, but both became global superstars at roughly the same point more than two decades ago.
They have accumulated major club honours with Al-Nassr and Inter Miami, who are MLS Cup holders, while also delivering for Portugal and Argentina. Their relationship has been built on respect rather than friendship, with competitive edge always present.
Anderson backs Ronaldo to extend career
Anderson sees no reason Ronaldo cannot continue well beyond the expiry of his current Saudi Arabian deal. The Portuguese forward has faced recent scrutiny after stepping away from the latest Portugal camp, but his former team-mate believes age does not diminish his ability to decide matches.
“He could do it at 45,” Anderson said of Ronaldo. “Give Cristiano or Messi time and space and age does not matter. They can score in a moment.”
He added that, as an international manager, he would always retain players of that level in his squad, even if they were only available for brief substitute appearances. In Anderson’s view, five or 10 minutes can be enough for a player of their calibre to change a game.
Brazil challenge issued after Neymar absence
Anderson also pointed to Neymar’s importance for Brazil, saying the forward’s absence has exposed a shortage of players prepared to take responsibility in decisive moments. He said criticism of Neymar over the last decade overlooked the contribution he made for the national team.
The former Brazil midfielder argued that Neymar can score or create a one-on-one chance at any time and said Brazil must now see more from Vinicius Junior and Raphinha. Both, he said, need to show they can carry responsibility when pressure rises.
Neymar’s future remains uncertain as he approaches the end of his Santos contract. A reunion with Messi in Miami has been suggested if the Brazil forward leaves as a free agent, but no move has been confirmed.
For now, Messi is tied to Inter Miami through 2028. Ronaldo’s next decision could come next summer, when his Al-Nassr agreement runs out, although there is no indication that he intends to stop playing then.
