How many seasons have Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo played professional soccer at the top level?

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo remain the ultimate role models for younger players, not just for their ability with a ball but also because of their professionalism and, consequently, their longevity. Although the former Barcelona and Real Madrid attacker are beyond their peak years, as was inevitable due to age, they are still key figures for their respective clubs, Inter Miami and Al Nassr, as well as their national teams.

How many seasons has Messi played?

Messi’s appearance for Miami against Real Salt Lake in the opening game of the 2024 MLS season means he is now into his 21st season as a professional, 17 of which came with Barcelona, followed by two with Paris Saint-Germain. The 36 year old is still as important as ever for Argentina, with whom he won the World Cup in 2022, as he embarks on his first full campaign with The Herons.

As well as being the two best players on the planet for two decades, Messi and Ronaldo are now also at the top of the list of those who have played the most consecutive seasons at the top level, showing age is only a number.

How many seasons has Ronaldo played?

The Portuguese, 39, continues to bang in the goals in Saudi Arabia in his 22nd season as a pro and, providing nothing untoward happens, looks set to carry on beyond the summer for at least a 23rd.

While younger talents such as Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland, Jude Bellingham and Vinicíus Júnior have emerged and grabbed some of the headlines, Messi and Ronaldo are still soccer’s two biggest stars. Will we ever see another player - let alone two - remain at the very top of their game for more than 20 years? The new generation have tough acts to follow in the coming years.

2024 objectives with Inter Miami and Al Nassr

Messi made a blistering start to life in the United States after moving to Florida in July, winning the Leagues Cup within a month of making his debut for The Herons. Inter Miami’s so-called “Dream Team,” with Luis Suárez, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba also on the roster, are now hoping to fight for four trophies this season, with the MLS Cup and the CONCACAF Champions Cup their main objectives.

Ronaldo, meanwhile, is desperate to win his first Saudi Pro League title with Al Nassr having already missed out last season. But with the Riyadh side seven points behind unbeaten leaders Al Hilal, next year may be a more realistic target. The 39 year old will also have his sights set on the Asian Champions League, having previously won the UEFA version on five occasions.

With retirement approaching, the question remains whether we will ever seen Messi and Ronaldo grace the same soccer field at the same time again. The pair were due to face off in a “Last Dance” friendly match in the Riyadh Season Cup in February, but neither player featured in due to injury. The game could well be rescheduled to give us one last glimpse of the iconic foes going head to head.