Here we go again with the Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo comparison. If Ballon d’Or awards, Golden Boots, the World Cup, and Guinness World Records will not settle this debate, what will?
People all over the globe are divided over their opinion on who is the greatest of all time. First, it was achievements on the club side, then goals and Golden Boots, and Ballon d’Or records to International trophies later on. It’s no wonder why so, because the two have been at the top of the footballing world for over a decade.
The debate of who might be the better player continues to break new ground between the Inter Miami and the Al-Nassr captains.
Luva de Pedreiro slams Lionel Messi and MLS with Cristiano Ronaldo analogy
The social media influencer Luva de Pedreiro, who has risen to fame by attempting trick shots and uttering the word ‘Receba’ in his goal celebrations, has also weighed in on the Messi-Ronaldo debate.
Upon the Brazilian’s rise to the spotlight, he’s been seen in photos with several football celebrities, one of which is his idol, Cristiano Ronaldo. The Social media influencer, Luva de Pedreiro, took a shot at Inter Miami superstar Lionel Messi by making a Cristiano Ronaldo reference. He did this to spite Messi and subtly imply that Ronaldo’s pull in the Saudi Pro League is much bigger than that of Messi in the MLS.
Cristiano Ronaldo led the avalanche that saw many top players leave Europe to play in the Saudi Pro League. After the Portuguese Magnifico joined Al Nassr as a free agent in 2022, other iconic players in Europe have also followed suit; Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kante, Riyad Mahrez, Roberto Firmino, and Sadio Mane are some of the big names that have moved to Saudi Arabia.
On the other hand, Messi joined Inter Miami as a free agent upon the expiration of his contract with Paris Saint Germain. The Messi effect on Inter Miami has been outstanding since joining the MLS; he’s made and shattered records. Messi has set records both on footballing brilliance and the commercial outlook of the club, and the fans love him. Messi has been joined only by old-time friends and teammates, Sergio Busquests and Jordi Alba.
Luva de Pedreiro has drawn a comparison between the pull of both players, implying that Ronaldo has influenced the move of Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kante, Riyad Mahrez, Roberto Firmino, and Sadio Mane to the Saudi Pro League while Messi has attracted only Busquests and Alba. It is evident from the Instagram story he shared recently.
Rio Ferdinand weighs in on Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi transfer media reactions
The Manchester United legend and ex-defender, Rio Ferdinand, had his say on the comparison between Ronaldo and Messi’s moves to Saudi Arabia and the MLS. He pointed out that people have been more skeptical of Ronaldo moving to the SPL. Speaking about the surge of players moving to the SPL for a better pay cheque, Ferdinand said on the Joe YouTube channel:
“Look at how the media and people dealt with Messi going to America & Cristiano Ronaldo going to Saudi Arabia. When a player goes to America, you greet him, but when he goes to Saudi, he is attacked. Do you want to tell me that America is a perfect country?”
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Rio Ferdinand:
“Look at how the media and people dealt with Messi going to America & Cristiano Ronaldo going to Saudi Arabia. When a player goes to America, you greet him, but when a player goes to Saudi, he is attacked. Do you want to tell me that America is a perfect… pic.twitter.com/CnzND2yNw6
— CristianoXtra (@CristianoXtra_) August 10, 2023
However, it is glaring that Saudi clubs have offered players huge contracts as an attraction to the league, if the MLS paid what Saudi clubs are paying, even Ronaldo himself would have preferred a move to the MLS instead.
Whose side are you on? Make sure to let us know in the comments section.
