Edu Aguirre, a journalist and close friend of Cristiano Ronaldo, expressed doubts about Lionel Messi‘s physical stamina if he returns to European football. Despite acknowledging Messi’s exceptional skill in scoring free-kicks, Aguirre argued that the Argentine forward lacks the endurance needed to compete effectively at the highest European level.
Following Messi’s remarkable free-kick goal for Inter Miami in their FIFA Club World Cup victory over FC Porto, Aguirre remarked that Messi’s ability to score from set pieces is timeless. However, he questioned Messi’s capacity to sustain the pace required by Europe’s top teams. Aguirre explained (via Real Madrid Confidential):
“The goal he scored today, which is a great goal, he’ll keep scoring even when he’s 70 or 75 years old (70 or 75 years old). Because Messi, every time he touches the ball, is a difference-maker. The thing is, he plays while walking. Literally. He doesn’t go forward, he doesn’t go back. Either you pass the ball to his feet or he won’t go for it. I don’t see him with the pace of a winning team in Europe. I don’t see him…” —Edu Aguirre, Journalist
Messi’s Historic Contribution to Inter Miami’s FIFA Club World Cup Win
Lionel Messi’s superb free-kick helped Inter Miami secure a 2-1 victory against FC Porto in the FIFA Club World Cup, marking the first time an MLS team defeated a European club in a competitive match. This milestone underscored Messi’s enduring influence on the game, even as he adapts to a new league in the United States.
Messi Reflects on Career Choices Including Potential Reunion with Ronaldo
In a 2023 interview with TIME magazine, Messi revealed he considered several options before joining Inter Miami, including a possible move to the Saudi Pro League where Cristiano Ronaldo currently plays. Messi chose Miami primarily for family reasons, having previously attempted to return to Barcelona without success.
He explained his decision-making process and interest in Saudi Arabia’s emerging football scene as follows:
“The truth is that fortunately, I had several options on the table that were interesting, and I had to analyse them and think, even weigh them up with my family, before making the final decision to come to Miami. My first option was to return to Barcelona, but it was not possible. I tried to return, and it did not happen. —Lionel Messi, Footballer
“It is also true that later I was thinking a lot about going to the Saudi league, where I know the country and they have created a very powerful competition that can become an important league in the near future. As the country’s tourism ambassador, it was a destination that attracted me, especially because I’ve enjoyed everything I have visited, because of how football is growing in the country and because of the effort they are putting into creating a top competition.” —Lionel Messi, Footballer
Contract Status and Upcoming Developments for Messi and Ronaldo
Both Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are currently negotiating new contracts with their respective clubs, as their existing agreements expire this summer. Their future moves will be closely watched, given their storied rivalry and outsized impact on football worldwide. Messi’s physical stamina doubts for Europe return remain a key point of discussion as fans and analysts anticipate if he will once again compete on the continent or continue his career elsewhere.