The Enduring Legacy of Messi and Ronaldo: A Look Ahead

Lionel Messi has long been a formidable adversary to Real Madrid, frequently engaged in legendary confrontations with his eternal rival, Cristiano Ronaldo. Over the course of two decades, the two sporting icons have collectively secured 13 Ballons d’Or, elevating the standard of individual excellence to unprecedented levels.

As we enter 2026, both athletes remain in peak condition. Messi has signed a contract with MLS Cup champions Inter Miami, ensuring his presence in the United States until 2028. Meanwhile, Ronaldo is finalizing a two-year deal with Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr, which will extend his career beyond his 42nd birthday.

Speculations continue to circulate regarding the possibility of Messi and Ronaldo playing together on the same team before retiring. Neither player appears to be contemplating imminent retirement, which perpetuates the ongoing debate about who deserves the title of the greatest footballer.

Raul, a former Spanish international and Real Madrid legend, has expressed a desire to see this union come to fruition; however, he remains skeptical about its likelihood. With Messi and Ronaldo seemingly destined to remain rivals, the debate over their legacies is likely to endure.

Having scored 323 goals in 714 appearances for Real Madrid, Raul has shared the pitch with numerous football legends. Yet, he unequivocally rates Messi above all others, stating, “I’ve been fortunate to play with players like Zidane, Cristiano, Ronaldo, and [Luis] Figo… but I think Messi is the best. He makes everything look easy, performing feats that seem impossible as if he were playing with friends on the street.”

While Raul regards Messi as the greatest of all time, he acknowledges the emergence of another La Masia product who may dominate the future of professional football: teenage sensation Lamine Yamal. Since making his senior debut at just 15, the now 18-year-old forward has already clinched La Liga and European Championship titles and secured second place in the 2025 Ballon d’Or voting.

There’s considerable anticipation surrounding Yamal as he prepares to shine at the 2026 World Cup with Spain. Raul has remarked, “We all know he’s going to be an important player, but Lamine isn’t going to be the linchpin of the Spanish national team. More experienced players must support him, allowing him to shine without the burden of being the sole savior in every match. We need to provide him with space; he possesses immense talent and youth, as demonstrated at both his club and with Spain.”

Yamal, a left-footed playmaker known for his agility and finesse on the ball, has often been compared to Messi due to their similar trajectories through Barcelona’s youth system. Despite these comparisons, Yamal is focused on forging his own legacy, although he finds it challenging to escape Messi’s towering influence.

While Yamal is expected to achieve great success, including potential multiple Golden Ball awards, for now, it is the Argentine maestro—preparing for his own quest for global glory in 2026—who remains at the pinnacle of any all-time ranking.