Monterrey, a Mexican club, isn’t one that Lionel Messi will cherish fondly in his memory. In the CONCACAF Champions Cup, they eliminated the Argentine and Inter Miami, putting them in the limelight across the world. 



Now, the semi-final matchup has pitted them against Columbus Crew.



Among Liga MX’s top teams, the renowned Rayados have been making waves as of late. Reason being: with little expenditure, they secured the services of famous players. Such are Maxi Meza, Jesus Corona, and German Berterame.



The speculation that <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/cristiano-ronaldo-hits-back-at-critics-claiming-his-career-is-over-20230924-WST-458289.html">Cristiano Ronaldo</a> would play in Liga MX further raised the stakes. Think about it: they might sign Messi’s bitter rival, delivering him a <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/ronaldo-vs-messi-what-if-ronaldo-had-signed-with-mls-20240220-WST-490672.html">second knockout punch</a> in less than thirty days.



The fans have been rallying around his acquisition ever since the decisive aggregate win over the Herons. And, as usual, it turned out to be too good to be true; much to the dismay of the most loyal White-and-Blues supporters.



<h2>What did Monterrey president say?</h2>



Lots of fans had questions for Monterrey president Antonio Noriega about that scenario before the CONCACAF Champions Cup semi-final. In fact, the Mexican powerhouses lost the first leg 2-1. But despite the claims, Noriega denied any involvement with Ronaldo.



He answered sarcastically, as <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/monterrey-clarify-rumors-of-cristiano-ronaldo-playing-in-liga-mx" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bolavip</a> said, by saying that it may be feasible provided the fans raise the necessary funds. “No way”, <a href="https://twitter.com/100Rayado2/status/1783505287669805428" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">he added</a>.



Reports indicate that Ronaldo wants to stay put in Saudi Arabia beyond the conclusion of his current deal in June 2025. Since joining Al-Nassr last winter, the veteran has played in 56 games, scoring 50 goals and assisting on 14 others.



Regarding what may be the last major agreement of the legend’s remarkable career, the Saudi Pro League figures simply cannot be beaten. That’s even if the Estadio BBVA outfit is one of the most powerful clubs in Mexico monetarily.



After departing Manchester United, Ronaldo inked a jaw-dropping contract with the Riyadh-based team, allegedly earning $215 million a year.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="445" height="526" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20240428_WST_504054_image-21_19e1b0e1.webp&amp;width=445&amp;height=526" alt="" class="wp-image-504076" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/04/image-21.png 445w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/04/image-21-254x300.png 254w" sizes="(max-width: 445px) 100vw, 445px"></figure><figcaption>Speculation continues about the next chapter for Cristiano Ronaldo</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Ronaldo continues collecting all negative press</h2>



Despite his impressive statistics for Al-Nassr, the 39-year-old has mostly been the subject of negative headlines in the Kingdom. On a particularly bad night for the Portugal great not long ago, he was sent off for what looked like an elbow to an opponent player.



After he lost his cool in a heated confrontation, the club’s Super Cup ambitions went up in flames, and Ronaldo’s evening came to an abrupt stop.



It has even led to <a href="https://theathletic.com/5401635/2024/04/09/cristiano-ronaldo-red-card-al-nassr/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tim Spiers of The Athletic</a> discussing the superstar’s behavior, highlighting instances of aggression and unsportsmanlike conduct towards an opponent. It allegedly reflects on his move to a league perceived as a “retirement league” for a lucrative salary, contrasting it with Stuart Broad’s graceful retirement from cricket.



What’s more, the author questioned Ronaldo’s actions. He suggested that despite his achievements and status, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner should exhibit more maturity and set a better example for his fans.



Photo credit: IMAGO / ZUMA Wire

Ronaldo to Liga MX? Monterrey's one and only way to get legend

Monterrey to get Cristiano Ronaldo? Transfer speculations get a resounding two-word rebuke from the Liga MX club's president.

Ronaldo to Liga MX? Monterrey's one and only way to get legend - World Soccer Talk

According to former Premier League great Sami Nasri, two players had more natural potential than Messi and Ronaldo. 



According to the Frenchman, Brazilian duo Ronaldo and Ronaldinho were more gifted and may have been more successful had they taken their careers more seriously.



The last twenty years have seen <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/hong-kong-to-invite-ronaldo-and-al-nassr-as-revenge-to-messi/">Messi</a> and <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/ronaldo-vs-messi-what-if-ronaldo-had-signed-with-mls-20240220-WST-490672.html">Ronaldo</a> rise to the top of their sport. 



Many consider them to be the best footballers the world has ever seen; all thanks to their unparalleled domination that earned them every club and international prize imaginable.



Though Sami Nasri feels significantly differently on the two A-listers. In terms of raw ability, the ex-<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/the-history-of-manchester-united-vs-manchester-city-gary-james-interview-video-20130406-CMS-52551.html">Manchester City</a> and <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/arsenal-tv-schedule/">Arsenal</a> midfielder thinks Ronaldo and Messi are not number one. He went with Ronaldo and Ronaldinho instead because of their superior skill.



In an interview with the <a href="https://twitter.com/AmineMaTueTV/status/1783920312762945900" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AmineMaTue podcast</a>, the Frenchman said: “Ronaldo and Ronaldinho in pure talent, if they had been serious, they would extinguish Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. What Ronaldinho does with a ball is unheard of”.



The ex-midfielder, who had several stints in the Premier League, retired from soccer in 2021. Retiring at the age of 34, the Frenchman won two <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/watch-premier-league-on-us-tv-internet/">Premier League</a> championships and a League Cup victory after leaving Arsenal for Manchester City in 2011.



On top of that, he was suspended for doping for 18 months starting in 2018. Ex-City manager Manuel Pellegrini signed the player to a contract with West Ham after his suspension. Unfortunately, he only made six appearances for the Hammers during his tenure in east London. Worse still, he failed to contribute in any way, either offensively or defensively. He does, however, seem to have some intriguing views on the soccer greats.



<h2>How have Messi and Ronaldo fared this season?</h2>



The likes of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo keep delighting supporters and garnering praise for their performances. The question of whether the pair is more gifted on its own will always be a matter of personal taste.



The Argentine has been a part of Inter Miami’s roster since the summer of 2023. He has been a major contributor this season, appearing in ten games across all competitions and netting 11 goals with six assists.



Meanwhile, this season, his Portuguese rival has appeared in 38 games for Al-Nassr of Saudi Arabia, netting 36 goals and assisting on 12 more. He joined the wealthy club last January.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="670" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/04/16042730/Ronaldinho-1200x670-1200x670.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-504069" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure><figcaption>Ronaldinho was an immense talent for Barcelona and Brazil</figcaption></figure>



<h2>How did Ronaldinho and Ronaldo fare during their career?</h2>



Simultaneously, Ronaldinho and Ronaldo Nazario are undeniably two of the most gifted players who have ever lived. Together, they helped propel Brazil to its heyday and, in 2002, a spectacular World Cup victory for the Selecao.



Their incredible on-field accomplishments also enriched European football; they won fans over with their Samba flair and won individual accolades like the Ballon d’Or and FIFA Player of the Year, among many others.



While playing for teams like PSG, Barcelona, and AC Milan, Ronaldinho won titles in Italy and Spain. France Football presented him with the Ballon d’Or in 2005, recognizing him as the finest player in Europe.



At the same time, Ronaldo won many league and continental championships while playing for Cruzeiro, PSV, Barcelona, and Inter. For his outstanding performance in both 1997 and 2002, he was named Ballon d’Or winner in Europe.



Photo credit: IMAGO / PanoramiC IMAGO / ABACAPRESS

Ex-EPL star ranks 2 players more gifted than Messi and Ronaldo

According to former Premier League great Sami Nasri, there were two players with more natural potential than Messi and Ronaldo.

Ex-EPL star ranks 2 players more gifted than Messi and Ronaldo - World Soccer Talk

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Ronaldo to Liga MX? Monterrey's one and only way to get legend

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Ex-EPL star ranks 2 players more gifted than Messi and Ronaldo