Cristiano Ronaldo recently aimed a jab at his rival Lionel Messi’s move to Major League Soccer (MLS), suggesting that MLS is less competitive than the Saudi Pro League.
Despite their career shifts away from Europe, these football legends, who have dominated headlines for 15 years, continue to exert significant influence. Ronaldo’s move to Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia triggered a series of notable transfers, including Benzema, Kante, Mane, and Mahrez.
In contrast, Messi opted for MLS, joining Inter Miami with former Barcelona teammates Alba, Busquets, and Suarez. Either way, we are bound to witness a new wave of soccer following and betting in these two leagues, and bettors can check out some of the best betting sites to wager during the upcoming football season.
Salaries
The Saudi League operates without the constraints of Financial Fair Play Rules, granting them the freedom to invest as much as they desire in any player without concerns about consequences. Ronaldo’s annual earnings at Al-Nassr are rumored to be around $200 million.
On the other hand, Messi’s income hovers at approximately $54 million annually. While the Beckham-owned team could potentially offer Messi a more lucrative paycheck, it’s important to note that MLS clubs are subject to a wage cap of $5.2 million per season, but there is a designated player clause that permits clubs to exceed this cap for specific players.
Branding and Advertisements
Thanks to the United States’ impressive technological progress, Major League Soccer provides an advantageous platform for players to market their personal brands.
While both Messi and Ronaldo are already iconic brands, Messi appears poised to gain a more significant share of off-field earnings through partnerships with renowned companies such as Adidas, Apple, and Pepsi. Most of these corporations are in the United States and Europe, with the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner already fronting numerous campaigns.
In Ronaldo’s case, he has endorsements with Nike and his own ventures, including the CR7 underwear line.
Competition
In Major League Soccer, two conferences of 15 teams each operate without relegation, providing a distinct contrast to other leagues. The top eight teams progress to playoffs.
MLS includes the US Cup, similar to the FA Cup, and the League’s Cup involving Mexican teams. It was on this stage that Messi made his debut in North America.
Post this, teams from the US, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean vie in the CONCACAF Champions Cup, akin to Europe’s UEFA Champions League, leading to Club World Cup qualification.
Conversely, Saudi Arabia’s top teams compete in the AFC Champions League for a similar Club World Cup opportunity. Further, the Arab Champions Cup features clubs from Arab nations. Last season, Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr reached the King’s Cup semifinals stage before elimination.
Player Quality
Messi stands as the most prominent player to grace MLS. Yet, before his arrival, the league had already showcased famous personalities such as Thierry Henry, Wayne Rooney, Beckham, and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
MLS has experienced the fanfare that the Saudi League is gradually embracing. Ronaldo’s entry has also paved the way for other prominent figures to consider joining the league.
Lifestyle
Saudi Arabia enforces stringent laws for its visitors. Reports indicate that some of these laws were relaxed to accommodate Ronaldo’s cohabitation with partner Georgina Rodriguez, despite their lack of official marriage.
In contrast, Saudi Arabia’s alcohol prohibition sharply contrasts with the norm in most American cities, including Messi’s new home Miami.
Considering these factors, it’s complex to ascertain the superior league definitively. However, the recent surge of elite players to Saudi Arabia implies that the league could become a notable contender in future seasons.
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