Ligue 1's social media team has hit back at Cristiano Ronaldo in a post on the league's official account following his controversial recent comments.
After an acrimonious departure from Manchester United in 2022, Ronaldo shocked the football world when he signed for Al-Nassr and became the first high-profile star to join the Saudi Pro League.
An exodus of talent followed, with Ronaldo joined in the Gulf state by the likes of Karim Benzema, Neymar and Sadio Mane.
The 39-year-old has yet to secure a league title since his blockbuster move, claiming earlier this year that his lack of success is indicative of how competitive the Saudi league is compared to the French top flight.
Then, after being named Best Middle Eastern Player at the Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai on Friday, Ronaldo doubled down on his comments and focused on Ligue 1.
'Saudi League is of course better than Ligue 1.' said Ronaldo.
'France only has PSG. The rest is done. Try sprinting in 38, 39, 40 degree weather and see…'
He added: 'It is difficult to become a champion in Saudi Arabia. This year Al-Hilal is better, Al-Ittihad is at the top of the league, but I believe we have to push hard to become champions.
“Everywhere I have played I have been a champion and I believe I will be a champion, but I won this trophy because I have scored so many goals and assists and maintained my level.”
His comments sparked a backlash online, with Ligue 1's official Spanish Language X account making a cheeky response.
On Saturday, the account shared a photo of Ronaldo's old rival Lionel Messi after he won the 2022 World Cup in Qatar with the caption: “Leo Messi playing in 38 degrees.”
After leaving Barcelona in 2021, Messi spent two seasons in Ligue 1 with PSG, winning the league title in both seasons.
The account also shared a quote from Messi during his time at Les Parisiens, where he praised the quality of play on display.
“It's a much more physical championship than Laliga,” Messi said of the French top flight.
'The teams seem more physical and the matches are tough, they leave you little space. The players are very strong.'
PSG have won eight of the last 10 Ligue 1 seasons, with only Monaco in 2016/17 and Lille in 2020/21 managing to halt their dominance.
Saudi Arabia's Al-Hilal have had a similar run in their domestic competition, having triumphed in six of the last ten campaigns.
Comments