Cristiano Ronaldo Admits Not ‘Watching’ Lionel Messi’s FIFA The Best Crowning Over Erling Haaland

Lionel Messi winning the FIFA ‘The Best’ Award has become a watercooler topic. Just like the 2023 Ballon d’Or, the Argentinian superstar has divided the soccer world, as one school of thought isn’t convinced yet again for his recent crowing over Erling Haaland. Now, Cristiano Ronaldo is the latest figure to jump on the bandwagon opposing Messi, as the Portuguese legend knows ‘how these organizations work‘ and is rather ‘used to it.’

This shocking claim was made just hours after he won the Maradona Award for being the top scorer of the 2023 calendar year. In a brief interview with Record, the Al Nassr skipper was asked whether it bothers him that Roshn Saudi League is considered a ‘lower league?’ The host also cited Lionel Messi’s ‘The Best’ Award win, highlighting the fact that the Argentine had played in the MLS throughout the year. 

Interestingly, Cristiano Ronaldo replied, “I’m used to it and I know how these organizations work. Honestly, I didn’t watch The Best Awards.” It seems the Portuguese superstar didn’t imagine his long-term arch-rival as the true heir to FIFA The Best, an award that CR7 himself has won twice throughout his career. This year, the Real Madrid icon wasn’t nominated for the revered award, just like he missed out on the Ballon d’Or. 

Likewise, justice was done to Erling Haaland, who was crowned the Globe Soccer Best Men’s Player. Yet, CR7 was happy to outshine the Norwegian superstar in terms of his goal-scoring prowess. Nevertheless, this is quite a huge revelation by Ronaldo regarding Messi’s triumph. Notably, the Portuguese skipper has already fired shots over the Ballon d’Or and FIFA ‘The Best’. 

Cristiano Ronaldo has claimed FIFA and Ballon d’Or to be ‘losing credibility’

In a similar interview, Cristiano Ronaldo took a dig at France Football and FIFA’s prestigious awards. He said these awards no longer have any credibility. “The Golden Ball Award and THE BEST Award are losing credibility, and it is also difficult to score goals in the Saudi League, as is the case in the League and the English Premier League,” he claimed.

READ MORE: Despite Injury Setback, Chinese Fans Plan Special Tribute to Cristiano Ronaldo During Al Nassr’s China Friendlies: Reports

The diss continued, as Cristiano Ronaldo didn’t hold back while discussing the Saudi League in comparison to Ligue 1. He expressed that the Roshn Saudi League is not ‘worse’ than the French League while emphasizing that only a handful of teams maintain a ‘good level’ in the league where Kylian Mbappe plays. 

What are your thoughts on Cristiano Ronaldo’s bold claims? Let us know in the comments. 

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