Comparing Messi and Ronaldo’s debuts in MLS and Saudi Pro League

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have fought countless battles in Europe in the past.

They have now taken their talents to other parts of the globe, with Messi plying his trade in the United States of America and Ronaldo now playing in Saudi Arabia.

Sports Brief looks at how the two stars fared in their respective debuts in Major League Soccer and the Saudi Pro League.

Messi’s Inter Miami era officially started on July 21 when he made his debut in the Leagues Cup game against Cruz Azul. Fans inside DRV PNK Stadium went into a frenzy when he was given the go-signal to enter the contest as a substitute.

They chanted the FIFA World Cup winner's name and stood in anticipation until the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner replaced Benjamin Cremaschi in the 53rd minute.

Messi entered the game with Inter Miami holding a 1-0 advantage. Finland midfielder, Robert Taylor, had given the Herons the lead just before the half-time break.

Cruz Azul looked like they were going to spoil the Argentine's welcoming party after Uriel Antuna scored an equalizer in the 65th minute.

Messi, however, once again showed his flair for the dramatic. He scored a stunning free kick deep into second-half injury time after he was fouled just outside the box, per USA Today.

He talked to Apple TV+ after the game about the winning moment, saying in Spanish:

“I saw the goal. I knew that I had to score. It was the last play of the game and I wanted to score so we didn’t go to penalties.”

Ronaldo sent shockwaves through the football world when he announced that he was moving to Saudi Arabia to play for Al-Nassr. He made his long-awaited debut for the club on January 23 in a league game against Al-Ettifaq.

He made a winning start to life in the Middle East, helping his new side record a narrow 1-0 victory. Talisca scored the lone goal of the match, heading in Abdulmajeed Al-Sulaiheem’s cross in the 31st minute.

Ronaldo had plenty of tricks and step-overs in this contest, but he failed to find the back of the net, per ESPN.

The win saw the Portuguese star's new team move one point ahead of defending champion, Al-Hilal, in the league table. Unfortunately, Al-Nassr’s season unraveled after that strong start.

They eventually finished second in the league behind champions, Al-Ittihad.