In a fresh twist to the ongoing rivalry between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, Ligue 1 has responded sharply to Ronaldo’s recent criticism of the French league. Using Messi’s World Cup triumph as a weapon, Ligue 1 fired back at Ronaldo’s claims that the Saudi Pro League is superior, igniting a social media storm.
Ronaldo’s bold claims: “France is only PSG.”
During the recent Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai, Cristiano Ronaldo once again stirred controversy by taking aim at Ligue 1. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner, who currently plays for Saudi Arabia’s Al-Nassr, doubled down on his earlier remarks about the perceived superiority of the Saudi Pro League over Ligue 1.
“I don’t say this because I play there,” Ronaldo said. “I don’t care what people think. The players should come and play there. Try sprinting in 38, 39, 40 degrees, sweating… come play here, and you’ll see. In France, it’s only PSG. The others are finished.”
Ronaldo’s comments drew immediate backlash from French football fans and officials, with many accusing the Portuguese star of disrespecting one of Europe’s top leagues. This isn’t the first time Ronaldo has voiced such opinions; he made similar statements about Ligue 1 during the same event last year.
Ligue 1’s sharp response: Messi and the “38 degrees” jab.
The French league didn’t let Ronaldo’s comments slide. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Ligue 1’s Spanish account delivered a cutting response, using none other than Lionel Messi—Ronaldo’s eternal rival—as their retort. The post featured an image of Messi holding the World Cup trophy during Argentina’s triumphant campaign in Qatar in 2022, accompanied by the caption: “Messi when he plays at 38 degrees.”
The reference was a not-so-subtle jab at Ronaldo’s defense of the Saudi Pro League’s challenging conditions, as Messi had excelled under similar temperatures during the World Cup, ultimately leading Argentina to glory. The post went viral and sparked a wave of reactions from fans and pundits alike.
This wasn’t the only time Ligue 1 leaned on Messi to counter Ronaldo. In a separate post earlier this year, the league quoted Messi’s own words from his time at Paris Saint-Germain, where he described Ligue 1 as “a much more physical league than La Liga” and praised the strength of its players. These statements were used to further bolster Ligue 1’s defense against Ronaldo’s repeated criticisms.
The broader context: A rivalry beyond the field.
The exchange between Ronaldo and Ligue 1 highlights the ongoing rivalry between the Portuguese icon and Argentine legend Lionel Messi, which has transcended the football pitch. Since moving to Al-Nassr in 2023, Ronaldo has been vocal about the rapid rise of the Saudi Pro League, which has invested heavily in attracting global talent. Ronaldo has consistently championed the league, predicting that it will soon rank among the top three football leagues in the world.
Meanwhile, Messi’s recent move to Inter Miami in Major League Soccer (MLS) has also shifted the dynamics of the global football landscape. Despite their differing paths, the two legends remain intertwined, with their legacies often compared by fans and media alike. Their respective leagues—Saudi Pro League, MLS, and Ligue 1—have become indirect battlegrounds in this ongoing debate over who reigns supreme in football.
What’s at stake for Ligue 1 and the Saudi Pro League?
Ronaldo’s remarks and Ligue 1’s response come at a time of heightened competition among global football leagues. The Saudi Pro League has made headlines with high-profile signings, including Neymar, Karim Benzema, and N’Golo Kanté, as the kingdom invests billions to boost its football profile. Ligue 1, on the other hand, continues to grapple with the dominance of Paris Saint-Germain and the financial challenges faced by many of its clubs.
For Ligue 1, defending its reputation is crucial, especially in the face of growing competition from emerging leagues like Saudi Arabia’s. By invoking Messi’s accomplishments, the league is not only countering Ronaldo’s criticism but also reminding the world of its ability to attract and develop top-tier talent.
Looking ahead: The rivalry continues.
The war of words between Cristiano Ronaldo and Ligue 1 is unlikely to end anytime soon. With Ronaldo steadfast in his support for the Saudi Pro League and Ligue 1 leveraging the legacy of Lionel Messi, the competition between leagues is becoming as much about narrative control as it is about on-field performance.
As Saudi Arabia continues its massive investment in football and Ligue 1 works to maintain its place among Europe’s elite leagues, the global football landscape is undergoing significant shifts. Whether Ronaldo’s predictions about the Saudi Pro League’s rise will come true remains to be seen, but the debate has undeniably added intrigue to the global football conversation.
For fans, this ongoing saga serves as a reminder of the enduring legacy of Messi and Ronaldo—two players whose rivalry continues to shape the sport long after their peak years. While their days of competing directly on the pitch may be over, their influence on football and its future remains as strong as ever.
