The former USMNT striker has called for MLS teams to pursue the Portuguese star with an ownership stake similar to the arrangement Lionel Messi has
Gomez believes Ronaldo-Messi rivalry would create massive worldwide viewership for MLSSuggests ownership stake as crucial component to entice Portuguese starMLS club would need to make bold declaration of intent to attract five-time Ballon d'Or winnerGet the MLS Season Pass today!Stream games nowAFPWHAT HAPPENED
ESPN analyst Herculez Gomez made a passionate case for bringing Cristiano Ronaldo to Major League Soccer amidst rumors of him leaving Al Nassr. The Portuguese superstar is reportedly set to leave the Saudi Pro League club and is still looking to keep playing football, which has seen him linked to several outfits across the world. However, Gomez argued that an MLS club should offer Ronaldo an ownership stake similar to what Inter Miami provided to Lionel Messi to bring Ronaldo to the U.S.
“Nobody thought Lionel Messi would come, and yet he did. What did it take? It took ownership and I think it’s going to be a similar package [to recruit Ronaldo to MLS],” Gomez said on . “American owner John Textor (owns Botafogo, Crystal Palace and American Eagle Football Group), they want, as per reports, to offer a similar package for Cristiano Ronaldo to join Botafogo, or one of the teams, ahead of the Club World Cup."
He added, “Do I see someone within Major League Soccer with the ability to do that? Maybe. Should they do that? Absolutely. There is no absolute way you have Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi playing in the same league, and you’re not going to pay attention. Whether you’re a hater of what they have become now, or whether you’re a lover of what they’ve done to the game. Two players who have played at the highest of levels for so long, who have competed against one another."
Gomez believes MLS would gain significant global traction if it could sign Ronaldo.
“Everybody in the world will watch the league, will watch this match-up, and I almost feel like you have to make an intent, you have to try to get Cristiano Ronaldo to the MLS," he said.
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Gomez further touched on the fact that the former Real Madrid and Manchester United icon is currently sitting on 936 career goals and with his desire to hit that elusive 1000 figure, he’ll be more willing to join the MLS.
“Because 936 goals that Cristiano is at right now, it’s very well documented that he wants a 1000 goals so he’s not going to go to the La Liga, he’s not going to go to the Serie A and he’s not going to go to the Premier League," he said. "But he’s going to go to a Saudi Pro League or a MLS, one of these leagues because he wants his goals. He wants the 64 goals that are left to hit a 1000, and I think it’s doable."
THE BIGGER PICTURE
The potential acquisition of Ronaldo would represent another milestone in MLS's evolution from retirement league to legitimate global destination.
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While no MLS club has publicly expressed interest in pursuing Ronaldo, his Al-Nassr contract is set to expire in 2025, when he will be 40 years old. For Gomez's suggestion to materialize, an ambitious MLS owner would need to begin laying groundwork for such a move well in advance, building a comprehensive package to help lure the five-time Champions League winner.
