As a data scientist who’s built predictive models for elite sports teams, I’ve analyzed the numbers behind Messi’s recent feats with Inter Miami. His ability to transform an underfunded squad into a title contender — beating teams with six times the payroll — isn’t just impressive. It’s statistically rare. Meanwhile, Ronaldo’s path in Saudi Arabia and Portugal lacks that same proof of elevating weak units. Let’s break down the cold hard data on who truly excels at transforming talent-starved squads.