Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, condemned to play forever

They played at the highest levels for 25 years, they fought for championships, cups, world championships and golden balls. Messi and Ronaldo , having left the great European football for less performing but much more profitable tournaments, continue to play and score.

No matter where, how and against whom, each of their networks immediately goes around the world via the web, social media and TV.

There are no heirs to their footballing and especially media level. Football continues to produce its champions (Yamal, Vini jr, Lautaro etc.) but phenomena, on and off the field, no longer or not yet.

And so our heroes, the Argentine 38 and the Portuguese 40, “cannot” stop. The football business wants it . This is the reason why another 200 million euros a year are ready for the renewal in Arabia of CR7. A contract that will keep him on the pitch until 2027 when he will be 42 years old. Not only that. For Cristiano, a last-minute formula (loan?) was sought to allow him to participate in the new Club World Cup scheduled for June in the States. Al Nassr, his Saudi team did not qualify, but FIFA would have wanted him as a testimonial anyway. This is because his “different twin” Messi will be there. Of course. His Inter Miami will have the honor of the inaugural match in Florida on June 14 against the Egyptians of Al Ahly.

Even for the Argentine Pulce the future is already written: he will continue to play. His contract expiring in 2026 will be renewed and he will continue his experience in the United States, even though he is almost forty years old.

The age problem is not even posed by the respective national teams. They have no intention of giving up their phenomena.

Portugal wants Ronaldo on the pitch in the 2026 World Cup in America where Messi will have to be there with the defending champion Argentina. In what athletic condition and with what ability to influence the results does not matter. Their presence and the related media circus are fundamental. We are talking about two absolute professionals capable of keeping fit and managing physical fatigue and injuries in the best possible way. A necessary precondition to keep two real industries capable of producing millionaire turnovers and spin-offs in full operation.

There are no official figures but according to Forbes Cristiano's earnings reach almost 300 million a year against the 150 of his Argentine colleague. A difference due to the different media impact. Just look at the social profiles of the two champions: Ronaldo has 651 million followers on Instagram against the 505 million of Messi while Wikipedia dedicates 41 pages to the Portuguese against the 30 of his rival.

Goals, assists but also off-field footage. Everything goes viral immediately if “those two” are there. Messi’s bodyguard, a certain Yassine Cheuko, a former Navy Seal, has become very popular for the videos that portray him chasing and tackling fans and invaders who approach the champion. A sudden celebrity but paid for in gold. There is talk of a three million per year contract.

Nothing compared to the earnings of Giorgina, Ronaldo's partner. The former Argentine sales assistant for Gucci, met by CR7 in Madrid, has transformed into a formidable influencer and cultivates a lucrative business as a model appearing in promotional campaigns for the most important fashion brands. Thanks to her constant presence at Cristiano's side, she has almost 70 million followers.

Ronaldo and Messi's popularity is still destined to grow, the result of two extraordinary careers that can be summarized in these numbers: 46 trophies for the Argentine and 33 for his rival, including the Ballon d'Or (5 for Cristiano and 8 for the Flea). Most of them won while playing for Real Madrid and Barcelona respectively. Two global teams that have made their rivalry global. A dualism that appears unrepeatable: not only are there no champions of this level, but there is also a lack of a context of conflict (and even personal antipathy, if we want) that fuels controversy and legends.

Their real and/or virtual challenge must not end, the globalized football system cannot allow it. Ask Infantino's Fifa for information.

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