Emmanuel Petit claims Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have 'nothing left to prove' as they near the end of their career

Former France international Emmanuel Petit has said that the legendary duo of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have nothing left to prove as they enter the twilight of their career.

Ronaldo, 38, and Messi, 35, have dominated world football in the last two decades. The iconic duo have their trophy cabinets glistening with accomplishments galore.

However, both have come in for criticism recently due to their career decisions. Many have argued that Cristiano Ronaldo wrongly chose to head to the Saudi Pro League to join Al Nassr in January.

Meanwhile, Lionel Messi has drawn the ire of fans for opting not to sign an extension with PSG. The Argentine great is being linked with moves to the MLS and the Saudi Pro League.

Petit has defended the duo by claiming that they should be allowed to make whatever decision suits them, telling French outlet Rothen s'enflamme:

"Messi and Ronaldo have lit up football for 20 years. You can't tell these players what to do at the end of their career when they have nothing left to prove."

Cristiano Ronaldo's future at Al Nassr is uncertain, as he has reportedly decided he wants to leave Saudi Arabia. Real Madrid president Florentino Perez is claimed to have offered him a non-playing role at the club.

Meanwhile, Messi is heading out of PSG in unceremonious circumstances after making an unauthorised trip to Saudi Arabia this past week. He has been slapped with a two-week suspension by the club for his visit to the Middle East.

The 2022 FIFA World Cup winner has also been linked with a return to Barcelona. However, the Blaugrana's financial complications are proving a stumbling block in a potential reunion.

It cannot be argued that Ronaldo and Messi will go down as two of the greatest players in football history. They have made the sport their own and continue to turn back the years despite coming into the later part of their career.

Ronaldo has bagged an astounding 713 goals and 225 assists in 964 games. He has won league titles in England, Spain and Italy, five UEFA Champions League trophies and as many Ballons d'Or awards.

Meanwhile, Messi won the FIFA World Cup last year with Argentina. He has also managed a remarkable 709 goals and 338 assists in 871 games. The Argentine has won ten La Liga, one Ligue 1 and four Champions League trophies. He also has also won a record seven Ballons d'Or awards.

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Lionel Messi in talks to dwarf Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr deal and join rivals Al Hilal

Lionel Messi (left) and Cristiano Ronaldo's rivalry could ensue in Saudi Arabia.

Lionel Messi is leaving PSG at the end of the season, a decision that has led to volatile protestations from ultras. Videos have surfaced online of Parisians fans outside the club's headquarters chanting against the Argentine great.

The question now turns to which club Messi will join once he departs the Parc des Princes. The Daily Telegraph reports that the Saudi Arabian government is putting together the most lucrative salary offer in football history for the iconic forward.

They have held talks with Messi's father over a deal to bring the Argentine to the Saudi Pro League. The entire package could be worth €400 million annually and would trump Cristiano Ronaldo's €200 million deal with Al Nassr.

Al Hilal are the side looking to bring Lionel Messi to the Middle East and in doing so would reignite his rivalry with Ronaldo. They're also Al Nassr's rivals, which only further creates more excitement for Saudi Arabian football.