Ronaldo Reaches 100 Saudi Pro League Games, Messi Chases MLS Century

The soccer legends' latest milestones highlight their sustained influence in new leagues.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 6:27pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the action and movement of a soccer match, with the players' forms fractured and abstracted into sharp, overlapping shapes and planes in vibrant colors.The intersecting paths of soccer legends Ronaldo and Messi continue to shape the global game, as they each pursue new milestones in their respective leagues.Today in Miami

Cristiano Ronaldo has reached 100 appearances in the Saudi Pro League for Al-Nassr, a significant achievement that underlines his consistency and durability since joining the club. Meanwhile, Lionel Messi is still working toward the 100-game mark in Major League Soccer with Inter Miami, though his path to that milestone is expected to take longer due to the league's schedule and his physical management.

Why it matters

The parallel achievements of Ronaldo and Messi, two of the greatest players in soccer history, continue to captivate fans as they push deeper into the twilight of their careers. Their ability to remain central figures in new leagues highlights their sustained influence on the global game.

The details

Ronaldo's 100th Saudi Pro League appearance came in a match against Al-Najma, a milestone that reflects his significant contributions to Al-Nassr, where he has scored 95 goals and provided 18 assists in those matches. Messi, on the other hand, has made 57 regular-season appearances in MLS so far, and is expected to reach the 100-game mark in late 2027 or early 2028 due to the league's schedule and his physical management.

  • Ronaldo reached 100 Saudi Pro League appearances on April 3, 2026.
  • Messi has made 57 MLS regular-season appearances as of April 3, 2026.

The players

Cristiano Ronaldo

A Portuguese professional soccer player who currently plays as a forward for Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr.

Lionel Messi

An Argentine professional soccer player who currently plays as a forward for Major League Soccer club Inter Miami.

Jorge Jesus

The manager of Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr.

Al-Nassr

A Saudi Arabian professional soccer club based in Riyadh.

Inter Miami

An American professional soccer club based in Miami, Florida, that plays in Major League Soccer.

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What’s next

Ronaldo will look to continue his strong form as Al-Nassr pushes for the Saudi Pro League title, while Messi will aim to reach the 100-game milestone in MLS in the coming years.

The takeaway

The parallel achievements of Ronaldo and Messi in new leagues showcase their enduring impact on global soccer, even as they enter the twilight of their careers. Their ability to remain central figures in these competitions highlights the lasting influence of two of the game's all-time greats.