Cristiano Ronaldo’s impact on the MLS, despite never playing in the league, was palpable as fervent fans proudly displayed his jersey ahead of the Inter Miami match against the reigning MLS champions, the LAFC.
In the lead-up to the game, the live broadcast turned its attention to the jam-packed stands at the BMO Stadium in Los Angeles. Among the sea of supporters, one camera shot homed in on a dedicated fan hoisting Ronaldo’s iconic red Portuguese jersey aloft, wearing it like a badge of honor.
This striking image swiftly became a sensation on social media platforms, finding its way onto various Ronaldo fan pages. It reignited the age-old debate among fans of the perennial rivals, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
These fan pages gained more fodder after the final whistle, as this specific fixture proved to be an uncommon occurrence where Lionel Messi didn’t manage to score for Inter Miami.
A fan showing Cristiano Ronaldo shirt in an Inter Miami match😂
The influence is crazy pic.twitter.com/MdcX38mqVq
— CristianoXtra (@CristianoXtra_) September 4, 2023
On one side of the divide, Ronaldo’s admirers proudly asserted the widespread global influence of the Portuguese superstar, exemplified by fans donning his jersey at diverse matches. Messi’s fervent supporters, on the other hand, countered by emphasizing the genuine appeal of the Argentine, citing the roster of celebrities who make time in their busy schedules to attend Messi’s matches with Inter Miami.
This never-ending debate resurfaced on social media once more. Nevertheless, this incident spotlighted the unwavering dedication of these ardent fans, demonstrating their willingness to support their beloved superstars even when they are not gracing the field.
Cristiano Ronaldo increases his lead over Leo Messi to 32 goals by reaching 850 Goals
In Saudi Arabia, Cristiano Ronaldo notched another remarkable achievement, securing his 850th career goal (combining club and international goals) during Al Nassr’s commanding 5-1 victory.
Ronaldo’s exceptional form for Al-Nassr is evident, with him now tallying an impressive 20 goals in just 24 appearances for the club. To provide context, it’s worth noting that Ronaldo scored 27 goals for Real Madrid in his initial 30 games back in 2009, underlining his enduring goal-scoring prowess.
After giving two 🅰️🅰️
It’s time to score 🔝🐐 pic.twitter.com/mDylG6t4z8— AlNassr FC (@AlNassrFC_EN) September 2, 2023
In the grand scheme of career goals, Ronaldo has extended his lead over Lionel Messi, boasting a 32-goal advantage. Ronaldo’s goal count stands at 850, while Messi has accumulated 818 goals in a total of 1039 appearances throughout his career.
Al Nassr, after facing initial setbacks with two consecutive losses at the start of the season, has mounted a resurgence. They’ve impressively netted 14 goals in their last three matches, positioning themselves just four points adrift from the top of the league table.
Ronaldo not only leads the scoring charts in this season’s Saudi Pro League but also holds the top spot in terms of assists, further solidifying his influence on the competition.