July 9th 2024.
Steven Gerrard, the manager of Saudi Pro League team Al-Ettifaq, recently expressed his admiration for the talented Lionel Messi and his desire to see him join Cristiano Ronaldo in the Middle East. Ronaldo, who has been on fire in Saudi Arabia, scoring an impressive 35 goals in just 31 league games last season, was joined by Messi's former teammates, Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, and Luis Suarez, at Inter Miami in the MLS.
Despite Messi's decision to leave Europe for the MLS, Gerrard remains hopeful that he will one day make the move to Saudi Arabia. "It would be a dream for me to have Messi at Al-Ettifaq. He is an incredible player and would be a great asset for the club," Gerrard shared in an interview with MBC Masr 2. "I know it may be difficult for him to come here, but there's nothing wrong with dreaming."
When asked to compare the two football legends, Gerrard diplomatically stated, "Both Cristiano and Messi are incredible players with amazing stories in football. Ronaldo is a phenomenal individual goalscorer, while Messi is a more well-rounded team player. I can't really choose between them, they are both legends in their own right."
Currently, Messi is competing in the Copa America with Argentina, and the team is gearing up for their highly anticipated semi-final match against Canada. On the other hand, Ronaldo's summer of international football came to an end after a tough penalty shootout loss against France in the quarter-finals of Euro 2024.
Following Portugal's exit, the 39-year-old expressed his gratitude for his team and their fans in a heartfelt Instagram post. "We wanted more, we deserved more. For us, for each and every one of you, for Portugal," he wrote. "We are grateful for all that you have given us and all that we have accomplished so far. On and off the field, I am sure this legacy will continue to be honored and built upon. Together."
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