Lionel Messi appears to have appeared in Lyon’s latest transfer announcement video, and is said to have taken a jab at Cristiano Ronaldo following CR7’s comments about Ligue 1 and the Saudi Pro League.
Lyon have confirmed the signing of midfielder Thiago Almada from Brazilian club Botafogo on loan until June 30. Almada, 23, is an Argentina international with six appearances and two goals. He also holds a World Cup medal, having been called up to the Argentina squad for Qatar in 2022.
Lyon announced the deal with a very creative social media video, featuring Argentine teammate Nicolas Tagliafico and a humorous segment with Messi.
In the video, a message from a sender named “Lionel” appears, with the content allegedly directed at Cristiano Ronaldo: “Don’t listen to Cristiano, Ligue 1 is great”.
The message appears to be in response to Ronaldo’s recent comments, when the Al Nassr star claimed that the Saudi Pro League is a more competitive and difficult league than Ligue 1.
Speaking at the Globe Soccer Awards 2024 last month, Ronaldo said the climate in Saudi Arabia was a big factor in his assessment. “The French league? Of course (it’s worse). I’m not saying that just because I play here (Saudi Arabia). They (everyone) should come here and play, see.
Run in 38, 39, 40 degrees and sprint a few times, see how it feels. Don’t just believe me – come here and experience it.
There’s only PSG in France, nothing else. That’s my opinion. In France, only PSG is the strongest, no one can compete with them. They have better players, they are a club with more money. That’s the truth, and I don’t understand why people are surprised.”
After Lyon’s video, netizens quickly shared their views. One fan wrote: “This is the transfer announcement of the year, even though we’re only in January.”
However, Ronaldo’s fans were less than pleased with the sarcasm: “Ronaldo is clearly living in the heads of these clubs rent-free. They know deep down he’s right.”
