In January, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner asserted that his new home in the Middle East, compared to a league previously inhabited by his eternal rival Messi in France, was not inferior. He stated, “The Saudi league is not worse than Ligue 1. The Saudi Pro League is more competitive than Ligue 1, I can say that after one year spent there. We are better than the French league already now.”

Ronaldo’s remarks elicited a passionate response from those connected to French football, with 1998 World Cup winner Frank Leboeuf being the latest to counter CR7. The former Chelsea and Marseille defender, who had stints in Qatar towards the end of his playing career, expressed his annoyance, stating, “It annoys me when I hear Cristiano Ronaldo saying that the Saudi Pro League is better than Ligue 1. Why do you think he chose to make that comment about Ligue 1 rather than the Portuguese League? It’s because Lionel Messi played in Ligue 1. I have lots of respect for him as a player but come on, just shut up! It is unfair to Ligue 1.

Leboeuf also shared his views on Portugal’s chances in the upcoming European Championships, stating “For me, Portugal are actually one of the contenders for this summer’s European Championships. I actually think they can win the Euros, but only if Cristiano Ronaldo doesn’t play. You cannot take away anything that Ronaldo has done for football just because he has gone to retire in the Saudi League. I want to thank him for taking the sport to another level, but there is an end for everyone. He has every right to play in Saudi Arabia, although I’m not sure he needed even more money!”

Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr after parting ways with Manchester United as a free agent, signing the most lucrative contract in world football. Leboeuf commented on Ronaldo’s career trajectory and that of current Inter Miami superstar Messi, saying, “I have no problem with players coming to the end of their careers going to play in lesser leagues to earn more money, the same has happened with Lionel Messi. Both of them were fantastic players but they have chosen not to play at the top level anymore and we have to respect that.”

He expressed gratitude to both Ronaldo and Messi for their contributions to football, acknowledging that their competition had elevated the sport. He concluded, “Thank you Ronaldo, thank you Messi, enjoy your retirement!”

Ronaldo and Messi continue to excel for their clubs and national teams. CR7 has scored 34 goals in the 2023-24 campaign, gearing up to lead Portugal into Euro 2024, while Messi has accumulated eight Golden Balls and three FIFA Best awards, with his scoring prowess returning in MLS.

Cristiano Ronaldo

This season he played in total 20 times for 1796 minutes for Pro League.

Cristiano Ronaldo  scored 21 goals for Al Nassr. He procured 9 assists. He received 1 yellow card and no red cards.

His team is currently 2nd in Pro League. In the last match Al Nassr drew 4-4 against Al Hazm. The next match in Pro League will be against Al Raed.

Al Nassr performance and stats

Al Nassr is currently 2nd in the Pro League with 53 points.

In the last 22 games, it has won 17 times, drawn twice, and lost 3 times. In its last match, Al Nassr drawn 4-4 against Al Hazm.​​

It has a positive goal difference after scoring 64 goals and conceding 30.​

Al Nassr will play the next match in Pro League against Al Raed on Wednesday 13th of March in Riyadh.​

Lionel Messi

This season he played in total 3 times for 270 minutes for Major League Soccer.

Lionel Messi scored 3 goals for Inter Miami. He procured one assist. He received no yellow cards and no red cards.

His team is currently 1st in Major League Soccer. In the last match Inter Miami won 5-0 against Orlando City.

Inter Miami performance and stats

Inter Miami is currently 1st in the Major League Soccer with 7 points.

In the last 3 games, it has won twice and drawn once. In its last match, Inter Miami won 5-0 against Orlando City.​​

It has a positive goal difference after scoring 8 goals and conceding 1.​