Ligue 1 fires shot at Cristiano Ronaldo's latest comment on the league

Ronaldo voiced that the Saudi Pro League is more competitive compared to Ligue 1.

In response to Cristiano Ronaldo’s recent criticism of the competition, Ligue 1’s social media staff brought Lionel Messi into the discussion.

In response to Ronaldo’s remarks regarding French football and the reasons he believes the Saudi Pro League is more difficult, Ligue 1’s official Spanish-language X account posted a reference to Messi’s victory in the hot 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

Ronaldo stated in an interview earlier this week at the Globe Soccer Awards:

“Saudi League is better than Ligue 1. France only has PSG. The rest are finished. Try to sprint in 38, 39, 40 degree weather and see…It is difficult to become champion in Saudi. This year Al-Hilal are better, Al-Ittihad are top of the league, but I believe that we have to push hard to be champions. I’ve been champion everywhere I have [played] and I believe I will be champion [in Saudi Arabia].”

The rivalry between Ronaldo and Messi is legendary. During the 2010s, while playing for Real Madrid and Barcelona, respectively, the two fought for supremacy. Although the two have won 13 Ballon d’Or awards between them, many now think that the Argentine’s World Cup victory is what makes him the clear favourite in the GOAT argument.

In a subtle jab at Ronaldo, Ligue 1 noted that Messi, a former PSG player, faced similarly difficult heat (like the weather of Saudi Arabia) two years ago when leading Argentina to a World Cup victory.

Ronaldo was a shadow of his former self in that event, and following a lacklustre group stage, he was even removed from Portugal’s starting team in the knockout rounds.

Ronaldo is halfway through the 2024–25 season with Al-Nassr, while Messi is taking a break after the 2024 campaign with Inter Miami, which saw the team win the MLS Supporters’ Shield but lose in the MLS Cup playoffs. After 13 games, the Saudi club are now in fourth place in the standings, 11 points behind leaders Al-Ittihad, who they lost to in the final game before the current break in early December. On January 9, fixtures will resume when Al-Akhdoud face Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr.

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