‘Lionel Messi couldn’t cut it in the Premier League’

Carlo Garganese

• 15 May 2024 15:45 BST
• 3 min read

William Gallas has warned football superstars Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo from returning to play in Europe.

The two legends were the two undoubted best players of their generation during their heyday, creating a rivalry that went on for well over a decade.

Both Messi and Ronaldo have since moved out of Europe.

READ MORE: Lionel Messi at Inter Miami: Goals, assists, results & fixtures

Messi is now playing his football in Major League Soccer with Inter Miami after leaving PSG in the summer of 2023.

Meanwhile, Ronaldo has been starring in Saudi Arabia for Al Nassr after joining on a free transfer in January 2023.

Both Messi and Ronaldo have been linked with sensational returns to Europe this summer ahead of the 2024 summer transfer window, but Gallas believes it would be a mistake.

READ MORE: Cristiano Ronaldo at Al-Nassr: Goals, assists, results & fixtures

What did Gallas say?

“Where Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are playing at the moment is best for them. They wouldn't be able to compete in the top leagues, like the Premier League, Serie A, LaLiga and Bundesliga,” Gallas told Genting Casino.

“They are both nearly 40 years old, and they seem happy where they are. If Messi and Ronaldo came back to Europe, they would have a lot criticism and possibly put a stain on their careers, because they wouldn't be able to keep up with the other top players.”

Ronaldo turned 39 in February, but is still scoring at will with Al Nassr and has 62 goals in 66 games.

Messi has also been performing superbly with Inter Miami, and has 23 goals in 26 games.