Saudi Brand Enlists ‘GOAT’ Lionel Messi as Brand Ambassador After Cristiano Ronaldo Fell Short on Promise

Cristiano Ronaldo is currently going through a bit of a rough patch. The Portuguese superstar not only suffered a surprising exit from the AFC Champions League with his teammates but also failed to keep up his promise. As if there weren’t enough challenges on his plate, another upset is on the horizon. A Saudi Arabian brand has chosen CR7’s arch-rival, Lionel Messi, as their brand ambassador. 

They say, ‘A prophet has no honor in his own land.’  The Middle Eastern clothing brand ‘Sayyar’ has pledged its alliance with La Pulga. They recently shared a video on X where the Inter Miami captain can be seen donning traditional Arab clothing. Likewise, they wrote a caption saying, “Your beauty and elegance can only be obtained from Sayar. Wear the ‘Signature R’ shemagh, same as GOAT.” This is certainly quite a bold move from the Gulf-based clothing brand for several reasons. 

Despite being aware of Ronaldo’s presence and his fervent fans within the country since his move to Al Nassr, Sayar candidly referred to his long-term rival as the GOAT. However, this new partnership wouldn’t come as a surprise to many. Messi is already one of the primary ambassadors for Saudi tourism, thanks to a $25 million deal, and is obligated to spend some of his vacations there.

But what may seem surprising is that he rejected a billion-dollar move and opted for MLS instead. Regardless, he is now fervently endorsing the clothing brand. On the other hand, Ronaldo failed to defend his word. 

While Lionel Messi shines, Cristiano Ronaldo suffers for the vow he broke

Before the AFC Champions League RO16 2nd leg, Cristiano Ronaldo radiated confidence, stating that his team would bounce back successfully in the return leg following their 0-1 defeat. However, he failed to fulfill his promise to Al Ain’s Khalid Hashemi, who claimed, “Cristiano Ronaldo told me they would win in the return leg in Riyadh.“ Instead, the opposite happened, as they crashed out of the tournament. 

Ronaldo faced criticism after failing to convert an open goal chance from just 2 yards away. Scoring it could have altered the game’s trajectory, but luck wasn’t in favor of Al Nassr. Unfortunately, the aftermath was even more unfortunate as 3 players were sidelined due to injury.

Nevertheless, it wasn’t the night Ronaldo and his team had envisioned. For now, CR7 would be trying to fathom both the loss and the surprising sight of Messi as the new ambassador of the Saudi brand. 

READ MORE: Saudi Minister Teases Project With Cristiano Ronaldo Amid Surprise Meeting With Anthony Joshua and Francis Ngannou, Following Jibe at Lionel Messi