Lyon Troll Cristiano Ronaldo with Messi Reference in Savage Transfer Announcement

Olympique Lyonnais took a cheeky swipe at Cristiano Ronaldo in their latest transfer announcement, cleverly referencing Lionel Messi to respond to Ronaldo’s past comments about Ligue 1. The Portuguese superstar previously dismissed the French league’s competitiveness, suggesting it lacked the level of quality seen in other top European leagues.

In a playful jab, Lyon unveiled their new signing with a post on social media, accompanied by the caption: “Don’t listen to Cristiano!” The message was paired with an image of Lionel Messi, Ronaldo’s longtime rival, celebrating during his successful stint at Paris Saint-Germain. The post instantly went viral, with fans praising Lyon for their witty response to Ronaldo’s remarks.

Ronaldo’s Controversial Comments on Ligue 1

During his time in Europe, Ronaldo had been vocal about his opinions on various leagues, once implying that Ligue 1 was not as competitive as other top leagues such as the Premier League, La Liga, or Serie A. While his comments were not directed at any club specifically, they were widely interpreted as dismissive of French football as a whole.

Messi’s arrival at PSG in 2021, however, brought newfound attention and respect to Ligue 1, with the Argentine maestro proving his class by delivering stellar performances. Despite this, the league has often been criticized for being dominated by PSG, leading to debates about its competitiveness.

Lyon’s Perfect Response

Lyon’s dig at Ronaldo cleverly used Messi, a player whose rivalry with the Portuguese star has defined an era in football. By aligning themselves with Messi’s legacy, Lyon not only showcased their humor but also subtly underscored Ligue 1’s credibility. The timing of the post added to the humor, as Messi’s influence at PSG still resonates, even after his move to Inter Miami.

Fans React

The post received widespread attention on social media, with fans divided in their reactions. Ronaldo supporters defended his statements, pointing to his dominance in multiple leagues, while Messi fans celebrated Lyon’s creativity. Neutral fans, however, saw the move as a lighthearted and entertaining piece of football banter.

The Bigger Picture

While the rivalry between Ronaldo and Messi has historically been limited to the pitch, it continues to spark debates and narratives off the field. Lyon’s humorous jab reflects how clubs and fans still draw on this legendary rivalry to make their mark, even in unexpected moments like a transfer announcement.

With Ronaldo now playing in Saudi Arabia and Messi in the MLS, the two players have moved on from European football. However, as this incident shows, their impact on the sport—and on each other’s legacies—remains as strong as ever.