Manchester City legend Sergio Aguero has taken a playful jab at football icon Cristiano Ronaldo while emphatically declaring Lionel Messi as one of the world’s elite players. The Argentine believes Messi’s presence is crucial for Inter Miami, particularly as they prepare for the Club World Cup.
Aguero, a former Argentina international, told talkSPORT that the Major League Soccer (MLS) side, Inter Miami, had not won any significant silverware prior to Messi’s arrival.
“I think this is something that is quite important for Inter Miami, and especially knowing that Leo is there,” Aguero stated. “We know that Messi is… Although it may be painful for [Ronaldo’s fans], he is one of the players that everyone wants to see. They won a title that, for a number of years [they hadn’t], or I don’t know if they have ever won anything.”
Messi joined Inter Miami in 2023 and swiftly led the team to the Major League Soccer title just days after his arrival. He further contributed to their success by winning the Major League Soccer Supporters’ Shield in 2024.
In contrast, Cristiano Ronaldo, currently playing for Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr, is yet to secure a major trophy with the club, apart from the Arab Club Champions Cup in 2023. Aguero’s comments highlight the immediate and transformative impact Messi has had on his new club, drawing a clear comparison in their recent trophy hauls.
CNN
Aguero Takes Aim at Ronaldo, Hails Messi’s ‘Important’ Impact on Inter Miami Success
Manchester, UK – June 12, 2025 – Manchester City legend Sergio Aguero has delivered a pointed remark towards football icon Cristiano Ronaldo, while simultaneously emphasizing Lionel Messi’s crucial role in Inter Miami’s recent triumphs. Aguero’s comments highlight the immediate silverware Messi brought to the Major League Soccer (MLS) side.
Speaking to talkSPORT, the former Argentina international suggested that before the arrival of the 8-time Ballon d’Or winner, Inter Miami had struggled to secure titles.
“I think this is something that is quite important for Inter Miami, and especially knowing that Leo is there,” Aguero stated. “We know that Messi is… Although it may be painful for [Ronaldo’s fans], he is one of the players that everyone wants to see.”
Aguero continued, “They won a title that, for a number of years [they hadn’t], or I don’t know if they have ever won anything.”
Indeed, Messi’s impact was swift and undeniable. He led Inter Miami to their first-ever trophy, the Leagues Cup, in 2023, just days after joining the club. He further solidified their standing by winning the Major League Soccer Supporters’ Shield in 2024.
In stark contrast, Cristiano Ronaldo has yet to secure a major league trophy with his Saudi Pro League side, Al Nassr, since joining. His only significant silverware with the club came in the 2023 Arab Club Champions Cup. Aguero’s remarks underscore the perceived difference in immediate team impact between the two footballing giants in their respective new ventures.
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