Ronaldo Criticised by Fans for His Reaction to Rival Fans Chanting Messi's Name

Ronaldo Criticised by Fans for His Reaction to Rival Fans Chanting Messi's Name

Isaac Darko
updated at February 27, 2024 at 6:07 AM
In this article:
Cristiano Ronaldo logo
C. Ronaldo
Al Nassr FC logoFPortugal logo
Al Nassr FC logo
Al Nassr
Saudi Arabia
33
Saudi Professional League logo
KSA Professional League
Saudi Arabia
Al-Shabab FC logo
Al-Shabab FC
Saudi Arabia
30
Lionel Messi logo
L.Messi
Inter Miami CF logoFArgentina logo
  • Cristiano Ronaldo has been slammed for his response to 'Messi' chants
  • The Al-Nassr star faced further 'Messi' chants from rival supporters
  • He responded with a controversial gesture after his team secured the win

Football fans have taken to social media to slam Cristiano Ronaldo for his reaction to Lionel Messi chants from the crowd.

The 39-year-old scored his second goal of 2024, securing a vital 3-2 victory for his team at the Al-Shabab Club Stadium on Sunday, February 25th, in the Saudi Pro League.

However, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner faced a hostile away atmosphere, with Al-Shabab fans repeatedly taunting him with the name of his eternal rival, Lionel Messi.

Cristiano Ronaldo, Al-Nassr, Al-Shabab, Lionel Messi, Saudi Pro League
Cristiano Ronaldo was subjected to more ‘Messi’ chants from Al-Shabab fans. Photo by Yasser Bakhsh
Source: Twitter

Throughout significant portions of the game, chants of 'Messi, Messi' echoed in the stadium, while Ronaldo bided his time, waiting for the opportune moment to respond.

And the Real Madrid icon opted to retaliate, as videos caught him making an obscene gesture towards the home fans while celebrating his teammate's goal, per TalkSPORT.

Fans slam Ronaldo's reaction

Many fans have pointed out that Ronaldo's reaction seemed unnecessary and unprofessional, suggesting that as a seasoned professional, he should have remained focused on the game and not let the chants affect him.

@dat_goat posted:

"Can't believe ronaldo fans are proud of this."

@pierre9166 said:

"39 years old child."

@Leo_messii_8 shared:

"He's obsessed with Messi."

@jod_insane said:

"Most insecure player Penaldo."

@AdonisIII posted:

"It's getting embarrassing. Too old for this. I don't get why he has been easily losing his head in Saudi."

Ronaldo continues goal-scoring form

Despite his controversial antics, there is no denying Ronaldo’s goal-scoring abilities at the age of 39.

As reported by Marca, he gave his side the lead in the 21st minute from the penalty spot, taking his career tally to 877 goals.

Ronaldo is also one victory away from making it 800 career wins.

Sadio Mane heatedly complains to Ronaldo

Sports Brief also reported on a curious incident that saw Sadio Mane complain to Cristiano Ronaldo during the game against Al-Shabab.

It is unclear what the ex-Liverpool star was furious about, but he seemed to have disagreed with some decisions made in the first half.

Authors
Isaac Darko photo
Isaac Darko
Isaac Darko is a La Liga, Ligue 1 and Bundesliga editor at Sports Brief with a Degree in Journalism and Communications from Ghana Institute of Journalism (2010)