"We grew up watching Messi, a role model in football. Playing with him would be special. He plays at number 10, and I'm on the right wing, sometimes we can switch positions," Spanish newspaper Marca quoted Mahrez on 29/7.
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Riyad Mahrez celebrates a goal during Al Ahli's AFC Champions League Elite victory at King Abdullah Sport City, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on 12/3/2025. Photo: AFC |
Riyad Mahrez celebrates a goal during Al Ahli's AFC Champions League Elite victory at King Abdullah Sport City, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on 12/3/2025. Photo: AFC
Messi was rumored to be moving to Saudi Arabia in the final months of his PSG contract in the summer of 2023. According to The Athletic, Al Hilal offered a three-year contract worth a record-breaking USD 1.3 billion to bring the Argentinian star to the Saudi Pro League and continue his rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo. However, Messi declined and joined Inter Miami in the MLS.
When asked if Messi would receive "special protection" if he played in the Saudi Pro League, Mahrez laughed and said directly, "There's no protection. I've been fouled a lot."
Saudi Arabia has invested heavily in football in recent years. The country's national league has been elevated by signing superstars such as Ronaldo, Neymar, Karim Benzema, N'Golo Kante, Fabinho, Jordan Henderson, Roberto Firmino, and Mahrez himself. The latest additions include Joao Felix joining Al Nassr and Al Qadsiah acquiring Serie A top scorer Mateo Retegui.
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Ronaldo celebrates his penalty goal to open the scoring for Al Nassr against Al Ettifaq in round 4 of the Saudi Pro League at Prince Mohammad bin Fahd Stadium, Dammam, Saudi Arabia, on the evening of 20/9/2024. Photo: ANFC |
Ronaldo celebrates his penalty goal to open the scoring for Al Nassr against Al Ettifaq in round 4 of the Saudi Pro League at Prince Mohammad bin Fahd Stadium, Dammam, Saudi Arabia, on the evening of 20/9/2024. Photo: ANFC
Ronaldo believes the Saudi Pro League has risen to become one of the top 5 leagues in the world. However, Mahrez, who left Man City to join Al Ahli in the summer of 2023, has a more realistic view.
"I don't think like Ronaldo. Europe's top 5 leagues are still superior," the Algerian winger said. "Behind them, the Saudi Pro League can compete with the rest. But we are not too far behind. The goal of the Saudi Pro League is not to be the best league right now, but in the future."
Mahrez emphasized the role of pioneers like himself and Ronaldo in elevating the league. "We are the pioneers in this journey," the 34-year-old star expressed. "In the past two seasons, I have seen significant progress from clubs, coaches, tactics, and the league as a whole. Everyone is working hard to achieve the goal."
Despite disagreeing with Ronaldo's assessment, Mahrez still praised his senior colleague. "Ronaldo is still very strong. Even though he's 40, the way he moves and sprints is still impressive. It's not easy to become a player like Ronaldo," the Al Ahli forward said.
Mahrez has scored 30 goals and provided 26 assists in 76 appearances for Al Ahli. Last season, Al Ahli finished fifth in the Saudi Pro League but won the AFC Champions League Elite, marking their first time at the top of Asia.
Hong Duy (Marca)
