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Why did Lionel Messi return to Inter Miami so quickly while Cristiano Ronaldo is still absent from Al-Nassr?

A curious coincidence has brought the two football greats into the spotlight once again.

The 2026 World Cup has now ended. Clubs are shifting their focus towards the new season and the chase for trophies, while supporters of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo prepare for yet another chapter in the long-running battle between the two icons for individual records.

The World Cup of a beginning and an ending

Messi and Ronaldo both took part in the 2026 World Cup, a competition widely seen as likely to be the final World Cup appearance of their remarkable careers.

Their paths in the tournament were completely different. One was knocked out early, while the other reached the very end.

Ronaldo was the first to head home, after Portugal were beaten in the round of 16 by Spain through a solitary goal in the second knockout round.

The Portuguese star never truly found his best level. He scored only twice, both goals coming in the win over Uzbekistan, and failed to score against the Democratic Republic of Congo, Colombia and Spain.

Messi, on the other hand, inspired Argentina all the way to the final, where they also lost to Spain by a single goal after extra time.

His personal numbers were outstanding. He finished with eight goals and four assists, making him the tournament's second-highest scorer, and also second in World Cup history behind France's Kylian Mbappe.

Between discipline and neglect: Messi returned while Ronaldo remained absent

Messi completed his World Cup campaign only 10 days ago, on 19 July, and he was back in training with Inter Miami on Wednesday.

Inter Miami's official account published a photo of the Argentina captain as he returned to training. Ronaldo, meanwhile, posted a picture of himself enjoying his summer break on the beach.

Ronaldo's World Cup ended on 6 July, 13 days before Messi's and more than three weeks ago, but he has still not reported to the Al-Nassr camp.

Some may see that as evidence that Messi represents commitment and discipline, while Ronaldo has become relaxed. But that conclusion would be inaccurate.

Why did Messi return so quickly?

Messi had little choice but to return rapidly to Inter Miami, because competitions in the American league resumed immediately after the end of the 2026 World Cup.

Without their Argentine star, Inter Miami had to play two matches. They narrowly defeated Chicago 3-2 last Thursday, and then beat Montreal 1-0 last Sunday.

Messi has now returned to prepare for the match against Columbus in the early hours of next Sunday, followed by a game against St. Louis in the Leagues Cup in the early hours of the following Thursday. The schedule continues right through to the end of the American league season next December.

He had even been expected to feature in today's All-Star match, this Wednesday, before organisers left him out along with his Argentina team-mate Rodrigo De Paul after the duo reached the World Cup final with their country.

Why is Ronaldo absent from Al-Nassr?

Al-Nassr, in contrast, do not have a competitive match for more than two weeks. Their Saudi Roshn League season begins on 15 August against Al-Fateh.

Ronaldo is not the only absentee from the Al-Nassr camp. His compatriot Joao Felix is also away, as are Senegal's Sadio Mane, who was eliminated from the World Cup with his national side in the round of 32, and Abdulelah Al-Amri, despite Saudi Arabia going out in the group stage.

Reports in the Saudi media say that new Al-Nassr manager Ange Postecoglou is the reason behind the decision. The Australian has given those players additional rest after the World Cup in order to prevent fatigue before the new season starts.

According to those reports, Postecoglou remains in constant contact with the players. He has instructed them to carry out physical tests and measurements, stick to an individually designed programme involving moderate workloads, and send him the results every day so he can assess how prepared they are.

All four are expected to join up with the camp within the next few hours as they prepare for a season in which Al-Nassr are aiming to defend the Roshn League title and win the AFC Champions League Elite for the first time.