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<p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Ligue 1 takes aim at Ronaldo</li><li>CR7 claimed Saudi Pro League is better</li><li>Ex-PSG star Messi used for blow</li></ul><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n"><strong>Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</strong></a> 🟢📱</td></tr></tbody></table>

Cristiano Ronaldo HUMILIATED by Ligue 1 account with Lionel Messi comparison after Al-Nassr forward claimed Saudi Pro League was superior to French top-flight

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<p>Ligue 1's official Spanish language X account responded to <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/france-only-psg-cristiano-ronaldo-insists-saudi-pro-league-superior-finished-ligue-1/blt109c32cd8cd619e8" target="_blank">what Ronaldo said about French football</a> and why he thinks the Saudi Pro League is tougher, with a post referencing Messi's win in sweltering conditions at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.</p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">Leo Messi jugando con 38 grados 🌟🇦🇷🐐 <a href="https://t.co/2AWglqm8zk">pic.twitter.com/2AWglqm8zk</a></p>— Ligue 1 Español (@Ligue1_ESP) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ligue1_ESP/status/1873050264590270494?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 28, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>



WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>Interviewed at the Globe Soccer Awards earlier this week, Ronaldo said: "Saudi League is better than Ligue 1. France only has&nbsp;PSG. The rest are finished. Try to sprint in 38, 39, 40 degree weather and see...It is difficult to become champion in Saudi. This year Al-Hilal are better, Al-Ittihad are top of the league, but I believe that we have to push hard to be champions.&nbsp;I've been champion everywhere I have [played] and I believe I will be champion [in Saudi Arabia]."</p>

WHAT CRISTIANO RONALDO SAID

<p>In the dig at Ronaldo, Ligue 1's post subtly pointed out that Messi, a former PSG player, encountered similarly challenging heat when he led Argentina to World Cup glory two years ago. Ronaldo at that tournament was a shadow of his former self, meanwhile, even dropped from Portugal's starting lineup after a lacklustre group stage.</p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>While Messi is enjoying an off-season following the 2024 season with Inter Miami, which saw the club claim the MLS Supporters' Shield <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/inter-miami-out-of-mls-playoffs-after-loss-to-atlanta-united-social-media-stunning-upset/blt05d33c311930342a" target="_blank">but fall in the MLS Cup playoffs</a>, Ronaldo is part way through 2024-25 with Al-Nassr. The team sit fourth in the table after 13 games, already 11 points behind leaders Al-Ittihad <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/cristiano-ronaldo-title-hopes-up-smoke-karim-benzema-steven-bergwijn-al-ittihad-al-nassr/bltf5ce793d2ea4a0d1" target="_blank">after losing against them in early December</a> in the final game before the current break. Fixtures will resume on January 9 with the visit of Al-Akhdoud.</p>

WHAT NEXT?

Cristiano Ronaldo HUMILIATED by Ligue 1 account with Lionel Messi comparison after Al-Nassr forward claimed Saudi Pro League was superior to French top-flight | Goal.com

Ligue 1&apos;s social media team hit back at Cristiano Ronaldo following his recent criticism of the competition by bringing Lionel Messi into the debate.

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