2023 marked the end of an era in soccer. Two of the best players had chosen to step in opposite directions, away from the sport’s epicenter, Europe. As it turned out, the MLS and the Saudi Pro League have emerged as the winners, securing Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. But the supporters are captivated by two main questions: Which league reigns supreme? And what motivated the legends to choose this path? In an exclusive interview with Essentially Sports thanks to betideas.com, a former World Cup-winning legendary defender, Frank Leboeuf, sheds light on these curiosities.

A fresh debate has emerged if the American and Saudi Arabian leagues surpassed the established European leagues in terms of overall quality. However, in an exclusive interview with Essentially Sports, the former Chelsea defender said, “Ronaldo and Messi decided to go in a pre-retirement league. And it’s what it is. Hope they enjoy that, and that’s it. I don’t want to compare those two leagues because I don’t know them,” bashing such claims and suggesting both players to be transitioning to the next stage of their careers.

As long as it lasted, the rivalry of both the players may have been over but stay eternal in the sporting books. However, after all the struggle, it was time for them to make merry with soccer, felt the legendary expert. Both icons are still having a decent impetus. Cristiano Ronaldo finished 2023 as the top scorer with 54 goals last season, apart from winning the Arab Cup. Lionel Messi led Inter Miami to their first title win with the Leagues Cup.

The arrival of the Portuguese captain in the Middle East has triggered a minor influx of global superstars, propelling the SPL into the spotlight. On the other hand, MLS has experienced a surge in fandom for the sport after Messi’s move to the US. But do all these make a difference? The former France international gave him additional insights.

Frank Leboeuf gives his insights on leagues outside Europe amid Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi’s exit

Despite all the hype, the other leagues are far from the European topflight, felt the former France international. Although he doesn’t follow them, in the exclusive interview with Essentially Sports, Frank Leboeuf further stated, “They are not important leagues for me in the world,” citing he doesn’t have much time. He later said, “But I can easily compare those two leagues with what we have in Europe, and that is far lower than what we have here in terms of level,” giving a harsh reality check.

Moreover, in a recent report by Opta, MLS is placed at number 10, whereas the Saudi Pro League is at number 26. With both being way below the major European leagues, it is clear that the two superstars chose to find peace in their latter stages. And with them continuing on the pitch, it seems like it’s better to enjoy what they’re doing rather than comparing them both.

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