Cristiano Ronaldo records 100 Saudi Pro League games: How many does Lionel Messi have in MLS?

Cristiano Ronaldo made a triumphant return from the injury that sidelined him for nearly a month, marking the occasion in grand fashion. The Portuguese star scored a brace in Al Nassr’s 5–2 victory over Al Najma, officially recording his 100th appearance in the Saudi Pro League. This milestone has sparked curiosity among fans regarding how his longevity compares to Lionel Messi’s tenure in Major League Soccer.

While Ronaldo has hit the century mark in league play for Al Nassr, Messi has recorded a total of 57 MLS regular-season appearances for Inter Miami, according to Transfermarkt data as of April 3, 2026.

However, the gap narrows significantly when considering all official competitions, as the Portuguese striker’s total reaches 132 matches while the Argentine’s tally increases to 97 games with the Florida-based club.

Ronaldo and Messi thriving in their new chapters

Both players are enjoying a dominant present at their respective clubs, where they remain the definitive stars. Despite being in the final stages of their illustrious careers, they continue to be decisive for Al Nassr and Inter Miami.

In 132 matches for the Saudi club, Cristiano Ronaldo has registered an impressive record of 117 goals and 23 assists. The only missing piece for the Portuguese legend is securing an official title with his club, though Al Nassr’s current form suggests he could finally end that drought this season.

With Al Nassr’s latest triumph, they sit at the top of the Saudi Pro League with 70 points, maintaining a six-point cushion over rivals Al Hilal (who have a game in hand). As the title race enters its final stretch, this victory brings Ronaldo one step closer to ending his trophy drought in Saudi Arabia.

On the other side of the world, Messi has made a massive impact throughout his 97 games in the United States. The Argentine boasts a remarkable record of 82 goals and 44 assists.

Furthermore, Leo has already led the Herons to three major trophies—the 2023 Leagues Cup, the 2024 Supporters’ Shield, and the 2025 MLS Cup—cementing a legacy that will endure forever in Fort Lauderdale.

Gianni Taina is a bilingual journalist, fluent in English and Spanish, with a specialization in soccer, NBA, and tennis. He began his professional career in 2020 with Mundo Deportivo US, where he first established himself as a writer. Throughout his career, Gianni has covered major sports events such as the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, the NBA Finals, and Grand Slam tournaments like the French Open. His ability to report on real-time events and perform well under pressure has made him a valuable member of a top-tier team of journalists. In 2024, he joined Bolavip US, bringing his expertise in soccer, NBA, and tennis to deliver original content while providing live coverage of important events.