Two Finals, Two Defeats

Football can be cruel, even to legends. In just two weeks, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi shared the same fate: losing a final. First it was the Portuguese, who scored from the penalty spot but couldn’t prevent Al Nassr’s loss in the Saudi Super Cup against Al Ahli, drawing 2-2 in regulation before falling in the shootout.

A week later, the story repeated itself across the Atlantic. Inter Miami, led by Messi, fell 3-0 to the Seattle Sounders in the 2025 Leagues Cup final, crushing the Argentine’s hopes of lifting yet another trophy.

Two Legends, One Destiny

The contrast is striking: the eternal icons of Real Madrid and Barcelona both tasted defeat almost simultaneously. Two players who accustomed the world to glory, proving that even football’s greatest can appear mortal when the ball doesn’t go in.

Despite the setback, their numbers still confirm their relevance. Cristiano has scored 24 goals in 2025, while Messi has netted 27 so far this year, chasing the MLS Golden Boot.

The Comfort of Trophies

Their recent defeats don’t erase their triumphs earlier this year. Cristiano lifted the UEFA Nations League with Portugal, scoring in the final against Spain, while Messi made history with Inter Miami’s first goal in a Club World Cup and helped the team reach the round of 16.

Even so, fate seems to owe one of them more than the other. Messi already boasts a Leagues Cup with Inter Miami and the 2022 World Cup, while Cristiano is still chasing an international title with Al Nassr and the dream of a World Cup with Portugal.