Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are two names that need no introduction. Both these generational talents are now in the twilight of their career.
Messi finds himself at Inter Miami, alongside some of his best mates in Sergio Busquets, Luis Suarez and Jordi Alba. The Argentinian, after missing out since the Copa America due to an ankle injury, has still managed 17 goals and 10 assists in 17 games this season.
Ronaldo, spending his time in Saudi playing for Al Nassr, has managed 4 goals and an assist in 5 games, in good showing early on in the season.
Their dominance over the last two decades has shaped football history, creating an era that fans across the world, regardless of background, continue to adore.
Even as they approach the end of their journeys they keep bringing fans from all walks of life to witness their magic.
At Inter Miami’s recent clash against Charlotte at the Chase Stadium in Florida, Messi’s presence drew some rather unexpected supporters — a group of nuns.
Captured in a viral image, the nuns, seated in the crowd, sported serious expressions as the game stood at 0-0 when the photo was taken.
Whether they were fully immersed in the match or a bit checked out remains a mystery, but their attendance spoke volumes about Messi’s universal appeal.
As the game unfolded, things took a turn the nuns likely didn’t enjoy when Charlotte netted the opener, breaking the deadlock just two minutes after the viral photo was taken.
However, they got their money’s worth as Messi, ever the savior, leveled the game in the 67th minute, rescuing Inter Miami from a loss. The match ended in a 1-1 draw, but the sight of nuns in the stands quickly sparked a wave of hilarious reactions on social media that worked on Messi puns.
While Messi entertained onlookers in Miami, across seas in Saudi Arabia, Cristiano Ronaldo was receiving a heartfelt tribute for his own momentous achievement.
After Al-Nassr’s AFC Champions League clash against Al Rayyan, a female fan approached Ronaldo with a portrait of him celebrating his 900th career goal. The fan’s gesture was caught on video, with Ronaldo humbly accepting the gift and taking a picture with her.
The Portuguese who looked to be on his way back to the dressing room made sure to accept the gift and also create a memory for the young fan. Ronaldo can be heard in the video saying, “Ah nice, thank you” following which he takes a picture.
The Portuguese must felt a flurry of emotions, as in that game he netted once to help his side to a 2-1, and also dedicated his goal to his late father.
Ronaldo’s 900th goal came during Portugal’s 2-1 win over Croatia during the international break, a milestone that only adds to the legend of the Portuguese icon.
Reflecting on the achievement, Ronaldo said, “Only me and the people around me know how difficult it is to work daily to be physically and psychologically well and reach goal 900. It’s a unique milestone in my career.”
Both Messi and Ronaldo have given football fans countless memories to cherish, and moments like these — Messi’s nuns and Ronaldo’s heartfelt portrait — highlight the enduring global influence these two legends continue to hold as they draw closer to the end of their careers.
