The Lionel Messi soap opera continues. While his contract at Inter Miami comes to an end, the rumor of a departure to the Saudi Pro League resurfaces with insistence. The Al-Ahli club would be ready to unroll the red carpet and offer it a staggering contract to bring it together with its eternal rival, Cristiano Ronaldo. The idea of seeing the two legends compete one last time in the same championship is salivating. But before making his decision, Messi would be well inspired to listen to the advice of a player who knows the reality of this championship perfectly.
Mahrez's cash warning to Messi on the reality of Saudi Pro League
This warning comes from Riyad Mahrez. The former Manchester City winger, who plays in Al-Ahli, would obviously be delighted to welcome Messi. “It would be really exceptional to play with him”he told the square media. But he wanted to warn him, without a tongue of wood: “There is no special protection for dribblers in the Saudi championship. I took a lot of blows. »» The message is clear. If Messi expects to be protected by the referees or respected by impressed defenders, he is heavily mistaken. The championship is rough, physical, and makes no gifts, even to the biggest player in history.
This warning is anything but trivial. She portrays a championship far from the image of golden pre-retirement that some may have. The duels are harsh, the commitment is total, and the talent alone is not enough. Mahrez knows what he is talking about. His warning is a direct testimony to what would await the Argentinian if he made the big jump.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ujjhjhla0iu
The example of Cristiano Ronaldo
To survive and shine in this context, it takes an extraordinary force of character. And on this point, Mahrez has an entirely found example: Cristiano Ronaldo. “It is incredibly strong”, Admire the Algerian. “Even at 40, look at the way he moves (…), it's impressive. Being like Cristiano is not easy. »» Through this tribute, Mahrez underlines what it takes to succeed in Saudi Arabia: an impeccable physical condition and a steel mind, qualities that CR7 embodies to perfection.
The ball is now in Messi's camp. He is used to receiving muscular treatment, but Mahrez's warning has the merit of being honest. If he chooses to join the Saudi Pro League, it will not be for a health ride. He will have to be ready to go into battle every weekend. The challenge is launched. It remains to be seen whether, at 38, he still wants to take blows to raise him.
