A recent interview with Portuguese football legend Cristiano Ronaldo has sparked a surge of online discussions, placing him and his perceived rival Lionel Andres Messi as the top trends on the social media platform, Twitter.
Ronaldo’s comments in the interview, which many interpreted as a slight against Messi, have ignited a Twitter battle between the two football icons. Published late on Monday, July 17, 2023, the interview saw Ronaldo asserting that the Saudi league surpasses America’s Major League Soccer in terms of quality.
During the interview, Ronaldo credited himself as a major catalyst for the growing interest of footballers in the Saudi Arabian league. He highlighted how his presence and influence in the league have enticed some of the sport’s biggest stars to choose the Middle East over European football.
“My decision to join Saudi clubs was 100% crucial to bring in new top players. It’s a fact. When I joined Juventus, Serie A was dead and then after I signed… it was revived. Wherever Cristiano goes he generates higher interest”.
“Saudi league is better than MLS. I’m 100% sure I won’t return to any European club. I opened the way to Saudi league… and now all the players are coming here”, he said.
As expected, Cristiano Ronaldo’s statement has sparked intense debates on social media, with many perceiving it as a direct jab at Lionel Messi, who recently made a move to the MLS side Inter Miami.
Fans of both footballers have engaged in passionate arguments on various social media platforms regarding Ronaldo’s claim. Messi’s supporters view Ronaldo’s statement as petty and unworthy of his stature as a football icon.
On the other hand, Ronaldo’s fans stand by his assertion, believing that the Saudi League currently outshines the MLS.
In other news, Ronaldo’s club, Al Nassr, suffered a 5-0 defeat against Celta Vigo in a pre-season friendly match.