"We didn't play for money" - When Barcelona legend explained why Lionel Messi rejected chance to follow Cristiano Ronaldo to Saudi Arabia
Barcelona legend Hristo Stoichkov had claimed in 2023 that Lionel Messi chose against joining Cristiano Ronaldo in the Saudi Pro League because of his love for the sport. Stoichkov's comments came soon after Messi joined MLS side Inter Miami in the summer transfer window last year.
The Argentine icon joined the Miami-based side on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). On the other hand, rival Cristiano Ronaldo had moved to Saudi Arabia in December 2022, joining Al Nassr after his Manchester United contract was mutually terminated.
Notably, Lionel Messi, too, was heavily linked with a big-money move to Al Hilal in the 2023 summer window before joining Inter Miami. Commenting on the rumors and the fellow Barcelona legend's move to the United States, Stoichkov told Stats Perform (via GOAL):
"We didn't play for money, we played for love. This shows greatness. It didn't matter to me to know my salary or the bonuses, for me it was more important to play and that people value me.
"The agents take care of the other things. Messi comes to compete and play and he doesn't care about money because he loves football."
As per Al Jazeera, Cristiano Ronaldo joined Al Nassr in a deal that would see him earn over $200m a year. On the contrary, Messi turned down a Saudi move that would reportedly have seen him pocket over $505m, as per GOAL.
How have Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo fared at their respective clubs so far?
Lionel Messi has been a hit at Inter Miami since the very start. In his first few months with the club, he helped them win their first-ever trophy in the Leagues Cup. In his second season, he has led them to the Supporters' Shield and the team are now in the MLS Playoffs.
As far as his numbers are concerned, in 37 appearances for the MLS club, he has scored 33 goals and provided 18 assists across competitions.
Cristiano Ronaldo, on the other hand, has failed to add to his trophy cabinet in Saudi Arabia. However, his goal-scoring numbers have been magnificent. In 77 matches across competitions for Al Nassr, he has scored 67 and assisted 18 goals.