Cristiano Ronaldo teased by Ligue 1 account with Lionel Messi comparison after Al-Nassr forward claimed Saudi Pro League was superior to French top-flight

Ligue 1's official Spanish language X account responded to what Ronaldo said about French football and why he thinks the Saudi Pro League is tougher, with a post referencing Messi's win in sweltering conditions at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Interviewed at the Globe Soccer Awards earlier this week, Ronaldo said: "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]."

In the dig at Ronaldo, Ligue 1's post subtly pointed out that Messi, a former PSG player, encountered similarly challenging heat when he led Argentina to World Cup glory two years ago. Ronaldo at that tournament was a shadow of his former self, meanwhile, even dropped from Portugal's starting lineup after a lacklustre group stage.

While Messi is enjoying an off-season following the 2024 season with Inter Miami, which saw the club claim the MLS Supporters' Shield but fall in the MLS Cup playoffs, Ronaldo is part way through 2024-25 with Al-Nassr. The team sit fourth in the table after 13 games, already 11 points behind leaders Al-Ittihad after losing against them in early December in the final game before the current break. Fixtures will resume on January 9 with the visit of Al-Akhdoud.