VIDEO: 'Don't listen to Cristiano!' - Lyon enlist the help of 'Lionel Messi' to aim hilarious dig at Ligue 1 detractor Ronaldo in creative Thiago Almada transfer announcement

Portuguese superstar Ronaldo, who is plying his trade in the Middle East for Al-Nassr, recently said of the French top-flight: “The Saudi Pro League is better than Ligue 1, of course. I'm not saying that because I play here. I don't care what people think about it. Players should come here and they will see quickly. Just try to do sprints at 38, 39, 40 degrees…”

Lyon offered a nod to those comments when confirming that Argentina international Almada will be linking up with them on loan from Botafogo in the January window. During a clever unveiling video, the 23-year-old playmaker is seen receiving a text from ‘Lionel’ that reads: “Don’t listen to Cristiano, Ligue 1 is incredible.”

Messi spent two years in French football between 2021 and 2023, after bidding farewell to Barcelona. He did not enjoy the best of times at Paris Saint-Germain, but did claim two leagues titles at Parc des Princes and scored 32 goals before heading to the United States to join Inter Miami.

Almada has previously spent time in MLS at Atlanta United, being named the division’s best young player in 2023. He has six senior international caps to his name and savoured global glory alongside Messi at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.