The football world may be split into two continents, but the best stars are not different, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Where Ronaldo is the king of cash with a 280 million-dollar year in Saudi Arabia, Messi has changed American soccer history, making him earn 130 million a year at Inter Miami.
The transfer of Messi to the Major League Soccer was not just a transfer, but a different cultural dimension. The Messi Effect has transformed MLS into a global product, which has brought crowds to stadiums, increased subscriptions to Apple TV, and had a new generation of American fans. He has already scored 50 goals and had provided 24 assists in only 61 matches showing that his magic transcends borders.
But even the economic comparison is inclined to Ronaldo. His collaboration with the Saudi Arabian revolution in sports made him the icon of football renaissance in a country. The 280 million dollar paycheck with endorsements and bonuses is an expression of athletic performance and political and commercial influence.
Both myths represent two types of how to impact the world worldwide – the one of Ronaldo on the background of Middle Eastern prosperity and desire, and the one of Messi on the background of Western entertainment and approachability. The two taken together represent the way in which Europe will no longer dominate the future markets of football.
Still, Ronaldo and Messi are the leaders of the industry, even after age and changing their location, as Forbes rankings demonstrate. They now compete in the media, marketing and cultural heritage as well as in silverware. The issue is whether the U.S. revolution by Messi can create the same financial impact that the Middle Eastern empire by Ronaldo did?
