Ligue 1 reacts after Ronaldo claimed Saudi League is better than French League
Football![Ligue 1 reacts after Ronaldo claimed Saudi League is better than French League](https://images.sportsbrief.com/images/320x180/fbf528c1a21479a0.webp?v=1)
Al-Hilal forward, Michael added insult to injury by performing Cristiano Ronaldo's 'Siuuu' celebration in front of Lionel Messi.
The friendly match between the Saudi Pro League side and Messi's Inter Miami took place on Monday night, January 29.
Al-Hilal, currently on their winter break, faced off against the Herons, who are preparing for the kickoff of the 2024 US season.
The hosts in the Middle East secured an early lead through ex-Fulham striker, Aleksandar Mitrovic, before Abdullah Al Hamdan extended that advantage.
Luis Suarez later narrowed that deficit by scoring his first goal for Inter Miami after reuniting with Messi.
Ligue 1 reacts after Ronaldo claimed Saudi League is better than French League
FootballHowever, Michael reinstated the two-goal advantage before half-time with a header. Following the goal, he sprinted towards the corner flag, mimicking Ronaldo's celebration.
Although it might have been perceived as a display of disrespect towards Messi, the Brazilian forward regularly does the iconic celebration pioneered by the Portuguese star.
Messi soon exacted a measure of revenge, converting a penalty shortly after the restart. He then played a key role as a provider, assisting for David Ruiz's equaliser just a minute later.
However, Al-Hilal clinched the victory with a decisive goal from the Argentine veteran's former Barcelona teammate, Malcom, in the final two minutes of regular time, per Sportbible.
Meanwhile, Messi will once again go head-to-head with Ronaldo in the upcoming pre-season match on Thursday, February 1, between Miami and Al-Nassr as part of the Riyadh Season Cup.
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FootballThis encounter is being promoted as 'The Last Dance' between the two icons of the game, although Talk Sport reported similar sentiments were expressed before the friendly last summer.
38-year-old Ronaldo seems determined to prolong his career and is in prime form, while the 36-year-old Messi remains committed to Miami while under contract for two more MLS seasons.
Sports Brief also previously reported that Messi adeptly dispatched a penalty from 12 yards, narrowing the scoreline for his team.
Additionally, he contributed an assist for Ruiz, who finished the opportunity with finesse, although the Saudis claimed the victory.