Only recently, Lionel Messi announced his departure from PSG in Europe and surprised everyone by signing with Inter Miami in North America. This decision, following Cristiano Ronaldo’s move to Al-Nassr last year, marks the end of an era in football. The absence of Messi and Ronaldo in European football will create a different landscape, presenting opportunities for new stars to emerge and shaping the future of the sport. Their legacies will endure, but fans will feel a mix of nostalgia and anticipation for the evolving world of football.
During the dominance of Messi and Ronaldo in European football, other players, especially from the new generation, had limited chances to shine and gain recognition. This was evident in 2021 when Lewandowski’s exceptional performance was overlooked for the Ballon d’Or, which went to Messi. Despite Messi’s greatness, Lewandowski’s significantly higher goal tally made a strong case for his deserving the award. The Messi-Ronaldo phenomenon has overshadowed many talents for the past two decades, but now, with their rivalry ending, the football world will search for the next era-defining player. Players like Haaland and Mbappe could step into the spotlight, gaining more attention and recognition without the Messi-Ronaldo obsession.
Saudi Football Set to Develop
The top five European leagues have traditionally received the most recognition in football. However, with Messi now in the US and Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia, it is highly likely that these two leagues will experience a significant boost in popularity. Football betting in the two leagues is expected to rise, and you can sign up for an account on bet365 to be a part of the revolution.
Ronaldo’s transfer to Al-Nassr for a staggering fee of $215.76 million had an immediate impact on the club’s fanbase. Within just 10 days, their number of fans skyrocketed from under a million to eight million, as reported by Neil Joyce, CEO of the CLV group. This surge in fan support will inevitably attract more attention and potentially contribute to an increase in tourism to Saudi Arabia.
It comes as no surprise that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has seized the opportunity to appoint both Messi and Ronaldo as tourism ambassadors. This strategic move is expected to generate even greater fan following and interest in the country.
Considering the recent hosting of the World Cup in the region, Saudi Arabia and its neighboring countries have the potential to become prominent football hubs in the not-too-distant future. Ronaldo’s acquisition further expands the reach of football in the Middle East, positioning the region as an emerging powerhouse in the sport.
Messi Move to Improve US Soccer
The USA and North America were historically considered underdeveloped in football. However, Pelé’s arrival with the New York Cosmos in the 1960s transformed the sport’s popularity. His impact led to the creation of Major League Soccer (MLS) and attracted iconic players like Cruyff and Beckham. The USA won hosting rights for the 1994 and 2026 World Cups.
Similarly, Messi’s arrival at Inter Miami has already sold out season tickets, indicating a positive future for soccer in the US. It will attract more sponsorships, TV deals, and investment, boosting interest in American football. More stars may follow, enhancing the growth and significance of the sport in the country.
With Messi and Ronaldo now playing outside of Europe, a notable era in football has ended. The upcoming era holds exciting prospects as we await the players who will shape its future.