Despite being promised a salary of 300 million euros a year in Saudi Arabia, Messi decided to refuse to go to the West Asian country. Instead, the Argentine player chose to join Inter Miami Club in the American Professional League (MLS).
Thus, the dream match of C.Ronaldo and Messi in Saudi Arabia could not come true. When asked about Messi’s move, CR7 said: “I don’t want to talk about this much.
I know that I have opened a magic box in Saudi Arabia. I think I was not wrong when I decided to come to this country to play. I’m sure in a few years the Saudi national championship will become one of the most important tournaments in the world.
Karim Benzema decided to come here to play. I think in the future there will be many top players in the world choosing Saudi Arabia as a destination.
Up to this point, C.Ronaldo is still the highest-paid player in the world with 200 million euros per year at Al Nassr club. This amount includes salary, bonus and participation in promotional activities for Saudi Arabia in the race to win the right to host the 2030 World Cup.
Meanwhile, Benzema also pocketed 100 million euros a year after joining Al Ittihad club. Not stopping there, this team is also intending to invite N’Golo Kante to play. The French star is expected to enjoy the same treatment as Benzema when he comes to Saudi Arabia.
C.Ronaldo admits intending to own a team. The Portuguese striker added: “I have been thinking about owning the team for many years. However, I need to consider carefully before making a decision”.
In his first season in Saudi Arabia, C.Ronaldo scored 14 goals in 16 appearances for Al Nassr. However, he could not help this club win the Saudi Arabia championship.