Lionel Messi’s ex-teammate sacked after heavy defeat to Cristiano Ronaldo-led Al-Nassr as club release statement
Lionel Messi's former Argentina teammate Hernan Crespo has been sacked by Al Ain following a heavy defeat to Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr. The Portuguese ace was on the scoresheet as his team won 5-1 against Al Ain in the AFC Champions League Elite on Tuesday, November 5.
Crespo took charge of the UAE-based club in November last year and guided them to the AFC Champions League title last season. However, a series of disappointing results in the competition (4-2 loss to Al-Gharafa, 4-5 loss to Al-Hilal, 5-1 loss to Al-Nassr) ultimately cost him the job.
On Tuesday, his team were taken apart by Al-Nassr. Talisca scored a brace, while Cristiano Ronaldo and Wesley also found the back of the net. Fabio Cardoso scored an own goal.
Al Ain have since released a statement announcing Crespo's departure, stating (via GOAL)
"The outcome of this season was not in line with our ambitions. While we thank coach Crespo and his technical staff for their efforts and professionalism, the recent performances have fallen short of what we believe this team is capable of."
Crespo was one of the most feared strikers in Europe during his playing days and also shared the pitch nine times with Lionel Messi for Argentina, jointly participating for two goals. Unfortunately, the duo couldn't win a title for La Albiceleste together.
How many international goals have Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo scored in their career?
Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have both enjoyed success with their respective national teams. Ronaldo won Euro 2016 with Portugal and guided them to a UEFA Nations League triumph in 2019.
Argentine legend Messi, meanwhile, has two Copa America titles, one Finalissima trophy, and the fabled FIFA World Cup, which he won in 2022, in his cabinet. Both players could feature in the 2026 FIFA World Cup as well.
Ronaldo has registered 133 goals and 36 assists from 216 games across competitions for Portugal. He scored his first international goal against Greece in the group stages of Euro 2004.
The 39-year-old has 14 goals and seven assists from 30 appearances in the Euros and has scored eight times and set up two more from 22 World Cup games.
Messi, meanwhile, scored his first goal for Argentina against Croatia in a friendly game in 2006. He has since registered 112 goals and 57 assists from 189 games for La Albiceleste.
The 37-year-old has scored 14 goals and 18 assists from 39 games in Copa America. The Inter Miami man has also registered 13 goals and eight assists from 26 appearances in the FIFA World Cup.