Despite boasting the MLS’ best star-studded roster, Inter Miami got crippled by Saudi League giants in the Riyadh Season Cup. First, Al Hilal outclassed Miami 4-3. Then, Al Nassr demolished Lionel Messi and co. 6-0, despite playing without Cristiano Ronaldo and Sadio Mane. Ronaldo had earlier claimed that the Saudi Pro League was better than MLS in terms of quality. And Inter Miami’s recent losses in Riyadh seem to convince fans that the Al Nassr skipper was right. However, it is not safe to say CR7 was right. The latest Opta rankings have a different story to tell.

Similar to Inter Miami, other MLS clubs too are yet to match Al Hilal and Al Nassr. But what about other Saudi clubs? They seem to lose spectacularly to their MLS counterparts in the power rankings.

Disparity in ranking of Saudi clubs and MLS clubs might disappoint Cristiano Ronaldo

. Saudi Pro League Clubs rankings

. MLS Clubs rankings

Trending

Is Lionel Messi Playing Tonight in Orlando City vs Inter Miami?

May 15, 2024 06:00 PM EDT

Why Is Lionel Messi Not Playing Tonight for Orlando City vs Inter Miami in MLS’ Florida Derby?

May 16, 2024 12:59 AM EDT

Lionel Messi’s Heartwarming Gesture Toward Fan Earns Serena Williams’ Husband Alexis Ohanian’s Seal of Approval

May 08, 2024 04:33 AM EDT

Lionel Messi Injury Update- Return Date Revealed After Missing Orlando City vs Inter Miami

May 16, 2024 03:56 AM EDT

“They Want to Show Me They’re Stronger”- Cristiano Ronaldo on Competing With Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappe & Other Youngsters at 39

May 16, 2024 03:17 AM EDT

Get instantly notified of the hottest Soccer stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

See the drastic disparity in the rankings. Five MLS clubs outrank Saudi Arabia’s third-best side Al Ittihad, which houses a superstar of Karim Benzema‘s stature. Besides, the majority (16 of 28) of MLS clubs are ranked under the 300 mark. Whereas in Saudi, 14 of 18 clubs are ranked below the 300 mark. Hence, the aforementioned Opta Rankings show the MLS altogether is better than the SPL, unlike what Cristiano Ronaldo thinks. But CR7’s claim is no big surprise considering how MLS’ most popular side Inter Miami has plummeted lately.

Inter Miami is marred by struggles, despite their star signings

On the back of their star-packed roster, Inter Miami is widely touted as the best MLS club out there. But Opta rankings tend to overlook the fact that Miami is home to Messi, Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba. The Herons’ pre-season matches have only added insult to their injury. They lost three out of four matches and drew one. Their rivals in Riyadh scored goals as if it were some video game. Inter Miami conceded 10 goals in two matches against Al Hilal and Al Nassr.

Al Nassr Extends Cristiano Ronaldo’s Housing Contract in Saudi Arabia as He Commits Future to the Club

This shows David Beckham’s team’s lack of a solid defensive third. Miami focused on bringing in a forward like Suarez and a midfielder like Julian Gressel this transfer season. Had they gone bullish on a center-back for a change, they could have conceded less against the Saudi sides. So, Messi’s Miami could only aspire to be any closer to Ronaldo’s Al Nassr for the time being. But league-wise, La Pulga is indeed coming from a more competitive space.

WATCH THIS STORY: Ten Times Cristiano Ronaldo Scored Four Goals in a Game