FIFA World Cup: Salah is at the Same Level as Messi: Ronaldo

As the 2018 FIFA World Cup edges closer, the atmosphere is electric and the players are keen to play. Recently, Portugal skipper and talisman Cristiano Ronaldo praised Egyptian player Mohamed Salah. He said that the Liverpool striker was just as good as Argentina’s Lionel Messi.

Salah had a record-breaking season with Liverpool FC in the Premier League. He even became the top scorer with 32 goals. In addition to that, the 25-year old has 44 goals in total across all competitions in 52 appearances.

Ronaldo, a five-time Ballon d’Or winner, expressed his admiration of Salah. He even supported him after his shoulder injury against Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League final.

In fact, he hoped that this year’s ‘revelation’ manages to make it in time for Egypt’s World Cup run.

“Mo Salah has been one of the revelations of the year. I hope his injury in the final in Kiev doesn’t keep him out,” Ronaldo said.

“Many people talk about the Cristiano Ronaldo-Messi battle but there are other players who have chances to enter the race. The Egyptian is one of them.”

It is currently unclear when Salah will be back in action. There are also uncertainties on his availability it in time for the Pharaohs first match against Uruguay.

“He is gradually getting better. However, I cannot confirm today that he will play in the first match,” said Egyptian FA managing director Ehab Lehita. “All I can say is that we hope he will play in this match.”.

Cristiano Ronaldo even tipped the ‘Egyptian King’ as a potential Ballon d’Or contender. Who knows, maybe he could break the hold that Messi and Ronaldo have had since 2007.

This is the third time that Egypt have qualified for the FIFA World Cup. They are also the seven-time African champions.