The MLS side have strengthened their midfield with the acquisition of André Gomes, who played alongside both Messi and Cristiano in the past
The Columbus Crew have secured the services of André Gomes, with the 32-year-old Portuguese international joining Major League Soccer on a contract running through June 2027 with an option for the 2027/28 season.
The midfielder arrives as a free agent following his departure from French Ligue 1 side Lille, bringing vast European experience to MLS.
Crew general manager Issa Tall expressed enthusiasm about the signing, highlighting the qualities Gomes developed during his extensive career at some of Europe’s most prestigious clubs.
“André is a player who possesses exceptional tactical and technical abilities, displayed at the highest level of European football,” Tall said. “André’s experience, leadership, and professionalism will strengthen our midfield and will have an impact across our roster.”
Gomes compiled 32 goals and 29 assists across 383 appearances during spells with Benfica, Valencia, Barcelona, Everton, and Lille. At international level, the Benfica academy product earned 29 caps with Portugal and featured in their Euro 2016 championship-winning squad.
More magic in the Columbus midfield 🪄🔜 pic.twitter.com/PbWaUYQBap
— The Crew (@ColumbusCrew) February 20, 2026
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Unique perspective from playing alongside Messi and Ronaldo
Gomes belongs to the exclusive group of players who’ve been teammates with both Leo Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, giving him unique insight into the two players widely considered the greatest of their generation.
Gomes played for three seasons with Messi at FC Barcelona following his signing from Valencia in 2016. Gomes shared the pitch numerous times with Ronaldo with the Portugal national team, although he has not made an appearances since 2018.
During a conversation with former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy for the Daily Mail, Gomes reflected on what made both icons so exceptional.
“I met Cristiano Ronaldo for the first time when I was 19 years old after my first call with Portugal,” Gomes said. “With Leo, I was a little older, 23 years old, when I signed with Barcelona.”
His assessment of their abilities transcended the tiresome debates about which deserves recognition as superior.
“Their quality is above the line. Sometimes I can’t understand why people fight so much for who the best is,” Gomes added. “Different styles but with the same goals. They like to be protagonists in the game and score to help the team.”
He also pushed back against common stereotypes about their personalities, insisting both were more approachable and normal than public perceptions suggest.
“Off the field, you can talk to both of them easily,” Gomes noted. “People like to think that one of them is shy or that one is arrogant, but no, they’re both normal people.”