Despite now playing in separate leagues there is no love lost between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Both Messi and Ronaldo are considered potential GOATs of soccer and deciding between the two always divides fans.
A recent opponent of Messi struggled to choose between the two stars and Gustavo Dulanto of Universitario has played against both players.
Ronaldo is currently enjoying his time in the Saudi Pro-League with Al-Nassr, while Messi is lighting up the MLS with Inter Miami. Despite finding mutual respect for one another in recent times, CR7 couldn’t help but have a slight dig at his long-time competitor.
Ronaldo plays down MLS quality
Messi and Ronaldo have won just about everything possible in the game of soccer, and have even shared some fierce battles in the Spanish La Liga in their time.
Inter Miami man Messi has come out on top in the pairs clashes winning 16 of 36, with 9 being draws.
Messi also extended his lead over Ronaldo following his latest MVP win, something that will certainly erk the former Real Madrid star.
Speaking to la Sexta sport, Ronaldo recently took a dig at both Messi and Inter Miami, saying: “I’m sorry because it’s a different reality when people talk about Saudi Arabia and when they talk about the United States.
“Is MLS a worse league? Obviously, but because it’s Saudi Arabia it’s looked down upon. But since I know that people don’t know what they’re talking about… Just because of the people who are here you have to give it value.”
This was not the first time that Ronaldo took a dig at the league Messi played in, he previously attacked the French Ligue 1 where Messi spent time with Paris Saint-Germain.
Messi vs. Ronaldo stats since leaving Europe
Messi joined Inter Miami in 2023 and has taken the team from strength to strength, he was crucial in securing the side’s first-ever MLS Supporters Shield title last season.
Ronaldo also joined Al-Nassr in 2023, two moves which sent shockwaves across the footballing world.
| Appearances | Goals | Assists | |
| Lionel Messi | 39 | 34 | 18 |
| Cristiano Ronaldo | 89 | 81 | 19 |
While Inter Miami are in this year’s FIFA Club World Cup, Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr failed to qualify meaning a potential clash between the pair has been eliminated.
The competition can still be a good indicator of how true Ronaldo’s comments are if an MLS side meets a Saudi team.
While the Club World Cup is some way off both Messi and Inter Miami will be looking to start their MLS season quickly, they face New York City FC in their opening game.