Cristiano Ronaldo Warned Against MLS Move Because He 'Doesn’t Have Lionel Messi Magic'
Former MLS forward Bradley Wright-Phillips has advised Cristiano Ronaldo against making a move to Major League Soccer, suggesting the Portuguese icon may not enjoy the same success that Lionel Messi has experienced with Inter Miami CF.
Bradley Wright-Phillips warns Cristiano Ronaldo against joining MLS, claiming Lionel Messi still has the “magic” needed to dominate the league.
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Ronaldo, who currently represents Al-Nassr FC in the Saudi Pro League, has regularly been linked with a future switch to the United States before ending his playing career. However, Wright-Phillips believes the demands of MLS, combined with the pressure placed on global superstars, could create difficulties for the 41-year-old forward.
The former New York Red Bulls striker argued that Messi still possesses the ability to influence matches at the highest level, something he is uncertain Ronaldo can consistently produce in MLS.
Speaking through Covers.com soccer betting, Wright-Phillips said: “I don’t want to see Cristiano Ronaldo in MLS – it’s too late in his career now. Lionel Messi is still at a level where he can beat players one-one-one. But I’m not sure if Cristiano can still create that magic. So if he’s not in the right form, an MLS move could ruin his legacy.”
He also referenced Olivier Giroud and the striker’s difficult spell with Los Angeles FC while explaining his concerns.
“If I think about Olivier Giroud’s performances at LAFC, it was tough to watch as an Arsenal fan, because he wasn’t getting the service he needed and he was a shadow of himself, which was kind of sad,” Wright-Phillips added. “I’d worry the same might happen to Cristiano. If he came, it would shine a light on a league I love, but I don’t see it happening in all honesty.”
Although cautious over Ronaldo’s potential arrival, Wright-Phillips believes several other elite players could thrive in MLS. One name he highlighted was Neymar, who has been linked with FC Cincinnati.
“If you have the opportunity to sign Neymar, you should take it,” he explained. “Of all the world-class players out there, Neymar is the most underrated. With Neymar, you get a lot of outside noise, but when he turns up, he’s at the same level as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.”
Wright-Phillips also compared Neymar’s possible impact in MLS to the influence of Son Heung-min in Los Angeles and the role played by Thierry Henry during his time in New York.
He continued: “These players obviously help with shirt sales and selling tickets, but the ones that really care about the game have a positive impact on the next generation of MLS players.”
Another player he believes would fit perfectly into the league is Antoine Griezmann, who is expected to join Orlando City SC from Atlético Madrid.
“Antoine Griezmann is a perfect signing too,” Wright-Phillips stated. “Players that struggle when they arrive in the league are the luxury players, those that don't really want to do the work. But Griezmann is not like that – he has a lot of qualities and he’s learned that from playing under Diego Simeone at Atletico Madrid.”
For the moment, Ronaldo remains focused on helping Al-Nassr continue their Saudi Pro League title push. The club currently leads the standings by five points ahead of Al-Hilal SFC with six matches still left to play.
