By Victor Kanayo
World Cup winner Lionel Messi will on Friday debut for Inter Miami in a League Cup match against Cruz Azul, few days after he was officially unveiled in the United States.
This is as his rival and Saudi Arabia’s Al-Nassr player Cristiano Ronaldo took a dig at the MLS with a stand that Saudi Arabia’s pro League is better.
Speaking via his social media handle after Messi’s unveiling, Ronaldo wrote, “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.
“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.
“They criticized me for coming to Saudi League, but what happened now? “I opened the way… and now all the players are coming here”.
Saudi clubs have spent eye-watering sums this summer in a renewed push to attract star players to the Middle East.
Beyond Ronaldo — who joined Al-Nassr in January — the league has been able to recruit reigning Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema, who joined Al-Ittihad in June.
Ronaldo’s international teammate Ruben Neves signed for Al-Hilal despite links with FC Barcelona, while N’Golo Kante has joined Benzema at Al-Ittihad.
In addition, Liverpool midfielders Fabinho and Jordan Henderson are also close to sealing moves to the country.
