Lionel Messi aimed subtle dig at Cristiano Ronaldo in ‘response’ to Ligue 1 comments

The former Real Madrid, Manchester United, and Sporting CP star is the most decorated player at the awards since their inception in 2013, with six trophies to his name.

This year, he was invited on stage to discuss various football-related topics.

During his time on stage, he praised the quality of the SPL compared to other leagues, including Ligue 1.

“The French league?” said Ronaldo. “Of course [it is worse]. I don’t say that because I play there [in Saudi Arabia]. They [people] should go there and play there, to see.

“To run in 38, 39, 40 degrees and sprint a few times, just to see how they’re going to be. Don’t believe in my words – go there and see.

“Only in France is PSG, the rest is finished.”

Despite the seemingly harsh nature of the five-time Ballon d’Or winner’s remarks, there’s a case to be made for their validity, considering Paris Saint-Germain’s dominance in French football.

Since Tamin bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar, acquired the club in June 2011, PSG has claimed ten league titles, seven French Cups, and five French League Cups.

Luis Enrique’s team currently holds a ten-point lead over second-place Marseille at the top of the French league, having secured victories in 12 of their 16 matches without losing.

It’s worth noting that PSG was one of Messi’s previous teams.

The Argentine star played for PSG from 2021 to 2023, scoring 32 goals in 75 appearances before moving to Inter Miami.

However, some fans believe Messi has come to the defense of his former club.

Just yesterday, Messi shared a photo on his Instagram story showing him with a bottle of ‘GOAT’ wine. While this could be purely coincidental, fans were quick to interpret it as a potential jab at Ronaldo.

One said: “At least he’s not on interviews ranting about MLS being better than Ligue 1 – GOAT for a reason.”

A second added: “Don’t let Ronaldo see this.”

While another commented: “Messi is the meanest without even saying a word.”