Lionel Messi and MLS told why they can't compete with Cristiano Ronaldo and the Saudi Pro League as ex-England star insists players deserve 'respect' for moving to the Middle East

Two all-time greats bid farewell to European football and spread their professional wings in 2023. Portuguese superstar Ronaldo was the first to embrace a new challenge, as he made his way to the Middle East on the back of being released by Manchester United.

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Eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi then headed to the United States after severing ties with Paris Saint-Germain. He has made a stunning impact at Inter Miami, helping them to historic silverware while inviting a number of fellow former Barcelona icons along for the ride.

Messi has helped to raise the profile of MLS, enhancing the appeal of that division to household names around the world, but the riches on offer in Saudi Arabia are making it difficult to compete on a level playing field when it comes to contract offers.

Jermain Defoe is a man who knows all about life in MLS, having represented Toronto FC in his playing days, and the ex-England international – speaking courtesy of bet365’s new Sub On, Play On product – told GOAL when asked if Messi can help to win another battle with eternal rival Ronaldo: "At the minute everyone wants to go to Saudi, don’t they?

"But that was the idea, if they can get the main man to America, the great Messi, hopefully that would attract the other big names – [Luis] Suarez and all the others that have followed. But, the Saudi one now – it’s Messi in America and Cristiano in Saudi Arabia. Not only Cristiano in Saudi, but the money that players can earn over there for themselves and their families.

"It’s difficult to turn it down. Even younger players are willing to go. We saw that with Ivan Toney. There was a lot of noise around that because people were saying: ‘He was in the Euros squad with England, in and amongst the forwards with England, doing well for Brentford, why did he go to Saudi, he’s only 28?’ I feel like you have to be in that situation to understand and realise that as footballers it’s a short career. It’s not just about you, it’s about your family and extended family.

"There are reasons for things. You just have to respect people’s decisions. I wasn’t surprised when he went. He’s still playing football, enjoying his football, still scoring goals and being appreciated. You just get more money to set yourself up for when you finish football."

Ronaldo is well into the final year of his contract at Al-Nassr, but is expected to agree an extension that will take him through next summer’s World Cup finals. Messi is also running his current deal down, but has the option for a further 12 months in South Florida before considering another change of scenery.