Al-Ettifaq Supporters Tease Cristiano Ronaldo with ‘Messi, Messi’ Chants in the Wake of Ballon d’Or Triumph
In the midst of the King Cup’s heated showdown between Al Nassr and Al Ettifaq, a playful serenade of “Messi, Messi” echoed through the stadium, creating an air of whimsical intrigue that revolved around none other than Cristiano Ronaldo. This twist in the tale unfolded just after Lionel Messi had clinched his record eighth Ballon d’Or during a grand ceremony in the heart of Paris.
Al-Ettifaq fans started a “Messi, Messi” chant and this was Cristiano Ronaldo’s reaction.pic.twitter.com/tlCNiWLOje
— Roy Nemer (@RoyNemer) October 31, 2023
Messi’s glory was no ordinary one. It was a testament to his leadership, steering Argentina to their third World Cup triumph. The unforgettable final, where they triumphed over France in a dramatic penalty shootout, showcased Messi’s prowess. With seven goals to his name and the coveted title of the tournament’s best player, Messi had now edged ahead of the competition, surpassing the likes of Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe.
This triumph meant that Messi had extended his Ballon d’Or collection to three more than his longstanding rival, Cristiano Ronaldo. A notable shift in the winds saw Ronaldo’s name conspicuously absent from the 30-man shortlist for the award, an unusual sight for a player who had been a constant presence since 2003.
The Al Ettifaq faithful seized this opportunity to tease Ronaldo with playful chants of “Messi, Messi” during the game. The ever-energetic Ronaldo couldn’t resist reacting, playfully silencing the crowd by placing a finger to his lips, joining in the good-natured banter.
As the match continued, emotions ran high for Ronaldo. When Sadio Mane scored for Al Nassr, the Portuguese superstar erupted in jubilation. He celebrated fervently, even taunting the Al Ettifaq fans by cupping his ears, as if to say, “I hear you.” The fervor of the moment was palpable, a passionate display of the spirit of the game.
Following the grandeur of the Ballon d’Or ceremony, Messi, when asked whether he believed he had etched his name as the greatest player in the history of the sport, surpassing his long-time rival Ronaldo, responded with humility. “I do not know if I am the best player in history or not,” he replied, as conveyed by TalkSPORT. “If I am one of the best, then this is a wonderful thing,” he mused, encapsulating the grace and modesty of a true football legend.
