Inter Miami, expected to win the 2025 Leagues Cup, lost to the Seattle Sounders, who took advantage of key chances in the game. The Sounders’ strong defense effectively neutralized Miami’s offense, marking Lionel Messi‘s first loss in a final since joining the team. This result has drawn parallels to Cristiano Ronaldo, whose team also faced defeat in a recent final.
Throughout his 20-year career, Lionel Messi has played in 44 finals, winning 31 and losing 13. In contrast, Cristiano Ronaldo has participated in 37 finals, winning 25 and losing 12. While Ronaldo has fewer losses, Messi boasts a better winning percentage, having been in more finals with a similar number of defeats.
Although Messi and Ronaldo have comparable records in lost finals, Messi has had a greater impact at Inter Miami. Even after the loss in the 2025 Leagues Cup final, he has already won two titles with the franchise, an achievement Ronaldo has not yet reached at Al Nassr.
Messi and Ronaldo continue to shape their club legacies
Since leaving European soccer, both Messi and Ronaldo have made significant contributions to their new teams. After joining Inter Miami in 2023, Messi has become the franchise’s all-time leading scorer with 61 goals in 72 matches.
Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF warms up prior to the MLS match.
Cristiano Ronaldo has also created a strong legacy at Al Nassr. Since moving to Saudi Arabia, he has scored 101 goals and is 23 goals away from becoming the team’s all-time leading scorer. Additionally, he has twice been the top scorer in the Saudi Pro League, proving he still plays at a high level.
Both Messi and Ronaldo, while having established successful careers, still seek major titles with their current clubs. Neither has won a league title with Inter Miami or Al Nassr yet. This season is important, as capturing a significant trophy could enhance their legacies at these clubs.