American dream? Doubts cast over Lionel Messi & Cristiano Ronaldo GOAT union at Inter Miami but MLS backed to create its own future superstars

Published May. 25, 2026 8:23 a.m. ET

GOAL

Messi & Ronaldo picking up trophies in America & Saudi Arabia

Argentine icon Messi decided to go chasing the American dream in 2023 when linking up with Inter Miami. Manchester United and England legend

He has seen the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner deliver Leagues Cup, Supporters’ Shield and MLS Cup glory in South Florida, with the most decorated player in history continuing to enhance his glittering CV.

Ronaldo has been doing likewise, with the evergreen frontman still going strong at 41 years of age. He has just

Having finally landed a major honour in the Middle East, questions have been asked of whether CR7 - who remains keen to

Beckham, as another legendary United No.7, is considered to be well placed to

Should Messi & Ronaldo join forces before they retire?

Asked if he would like to see the

“I think now they're coming towards the last part of their career. It would be amazing already to see them at the World Cup. We don't know if we're going to see them in another World Cup so that would be amazing for everyone to see already.”

Can MLS start to produce more home-grown superstars?

Messi has, across

Senderos said in response to that question: “They are working a lot 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, the Messis and big stars to give this appeal to the league and the big markets that need to be active, like the Miami's, the New York's, the LA's. But the US has huge potential.

“As we know, they have resources, they have a huge population and the only thing is really creating this culture so the players, like the Messis and the big stars, can influence this and create this football culture.”