'What Cristiano Ronaldo could do in MLS that Lionel Messi never will' — says World Cup winner

‎Cristiano Ronaldo could take Major League Soccer (MLS) to unprecedented heights, according to 1998 World Cup winner Marcel Desailly. The former French international believes the five-time Ballon d'Or winner has the global appeal and commercial power to eclipse even Lionel Messi’s impact at Inter Miami.

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Cristiano Ronaldo could outshine Messi’s MLS impact by boosting global brands, fan culture & 2026 World Cup hype, says World Cup winner Desailly.

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‎Speaking to Oddspedia, Desailly explained that Ronaldo’s arrival would go beyond on-field excitement. While Messi has brought significant fan interest and media buzz, Desailly believes Ronaldo could introduce new levels of sponsorship, brand engagement, and global attention to MLS — especially ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.

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‎“I’d like to see Cristiano Ronaldo in America, because of the 2026 World Cup,” Desailly said. “Messi has brought energy, but Cristiano could bring real interest from sponsors, big brands that don’t yet sponsor football.”

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‎Desailly pointed to Ronaldo’s impact in Saudi Arabia, where his move to Al-Nassr helped elevate the national league and attract international attention. He believes a similar transformation could happen in the United States, driving interest not only from fans but also from untapped corporate markets across the globe.

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‎“We brought the best players to Saudi, which brought football to Asia, India, China, the Philippines, Vietnam and more,” Desailly noted. “I would love to see Cristiano in America for the same reasons – he will bring the culture of soccer, which they don’t have yet.”

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‎While no MLS club has formally approached Ronaldo, speculation continues to swirl. ESPN analyst Herculez Gomez recently stated that if Ronaldo joins Messi in the U.S., “everybody in the world will watch the league.”

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‎Currently, Ronaldo is reportedly considering extending his contract with Al-Nassr, which expires in June. There is also chatter about a potential short-term deal with a Club World Cup contender. Yet many believe that MLS could be the next — and most impactful — chapter in his storied career.

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‎Bringing Ronaldo to America could redefine the league’s global perception, commercial value, and cultural relevance, with Desailly strongly advocating for the move before the spotlight of the 2026 World Cup lands squarely on U.S. soil.