How Lionel Messi’s New Inter Miami Contract Affects Cristiano Ronaldo

Messi’s three-year Inter Miami extension to 2028 keeps the Ronaldo–Messi saga alive — punters may back Ronaldo to prolong his career or wager on Messi for MLS awards and scoring props; expect more long-term markets (e.g., “who retires first”) and shorter odds on both in marquee-match scoring and season award markets.

Messi extends Inter Miami deal through 2028

Lionel Messi has signed a three-year extension with Inter Miami that runs until the end of the 2028 season. The Argentine will be 41 when that contract expires, and the MLS environment — generally less physically demanding than Europe’s top leagues — improves his chances of sustaining peak performance into his early 40s. Retirement before 2028 remains possible, especially if long-term injury or a decision to stop international duty follows the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Ronaldo’s contract timeline and retirement debate

Cristiano Ronaldo’s current Al Nassr contract runs until the end of the 2026–27 campaign, meaning he will be 42 when that deal finishes. By the time Messi’s Inter Miami deal lapses, Ronaldo will be about 43 and close to 44. Ronaldo’s obsessive fitness regime and competitive drive make him a realistic candidate to play into his 40s, but whether he will outlast Messi on the pitch is now a central question for fans and pundits alike.

Rivalry renewed — records, motivation and longevity

Both superstars signing high-profile extensions in 2025 keeps their decades-long rivalry relevant even without regular head-to-head matches. Messi’s MLS move and renewed terms could spur Ronaldo to chase additional seasons so he doesn’t cede milestones or headlines. Ronaldo himself acknowledged in October 2025 that he wants to keep playing “for a few more years” and intends to leave the game feeling fulfilled after giving his all.

What this means for records and legacy

The contractual timelines set up a late-career duel over records and “who played longer” narratives. Messi’s lower-intensity schedule and potential international retirement would favor durability, while Ronaldo’s discipline and goal-scoring instincts could allow him to prolong elite contributions in a different competitive context. Both trajectories will be closely watched by statisticians, clubs and the broader football market.

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Betting implications and market movements

Bookmakers are likely to expand long-term and player-prop markets in response to these extensions. Expect increased liquidity and interest in:

• Long-term props: “Which player retires first?” and “Who will still be playing at X age?”

• Season awards: shorter odds on Messi for MLS MVP-type accolades and on Ronaldo for top scorer markets in Saudi competitions

• Match-by-match props: goals, assists and starts in marquee fixtures, especially friendlies and exhibition matches

Smart betting tips for punters

Monitor official team announcements for retirement or international-status changes, focus on short- to medium-term prop markets where age-related risk is lower, and avoid extreme long-dated bets that hinge on unpredictable injuries. Consider hedging long-term positions as new contracts and fitness reports emerge.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s rivalry with Lionel Messi has been extended by the Argentine’s recent contract extension.

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