"Trying so hard to be Messi", "Second to do it"- Fans react as Cristiano Ronaldo receives present Lionel Messi received after 2022 World Cup win

Fans on social media have reacted to Cristiano Ronaldo being gifted a Saudi bisht after Al-Nassr’s 5-1 win over Al-Riyadh in the Saudi Pro League on Saturday, September 20. A similar present to the one that Lionel Messi received after winning the FIFA World Cup with Argentina in 2022.

Ronaldo was approached by some of his supporters while exiting the dressing room after scoring a brace in the game against Al-Riyadh. He spotted media personality Ibra Alfrayan, who gifted him the Saudi bisht to mark the 95th Saudi National Day.

Watch the video below (via Ibra_alfrayan on X)

After receiving the gift, some fans on X claimed Cristiano Ronaldo was trying to be like Lionel Messi. Thus, one user tweeted:

"Trying so hard to be Messi 🤣🤣🤣🤣,” a rival fan commented.

"The second to do it 😂😂😂,” another hilariously shared.

Other users added:

Amid the banter, Messi wore the Qatari bisht before lifting the 2022 FIFA World Cup trophy after Argentina defeated France 4-2 on penalties in the final.

"If you like Lionel Messi, Pelé, Maradona, I understand" - when Cristiano Ronaldo claimed he's the most complete player

Al Nassr v Al Riyadh - Saudi Pro League - Source: Getty

Cristiano Ronaldo once made a bold claim that he's the most complete player that has existed in the world. He went on to reveal that he respects and understands individuals who prefer other rival players, including Lionel Messi.

Speaking to El Chiringuito in February 2025, the 40-year-old said (via ESPN):

"I think I'm the most complete player to have existed. In my opinion, I think it's me. I do everything well in football: with my head, free kicks, left foot. I'm fast, I'm strong. One thing is taste if you like Messi, Pelé, Maradona, I understand that and I respect that but saying Ronaldo isn't complete."

He added:

"I'm the most complete. I haven't seen anybody better than me, and I say it from the heart. I'm so competitive that sometimes I forget what I've achieved. Because it gives me motivation to do more and do better every year. I think that's the difference with others."

Ronaldo has arguably proven to be a forward whose longevity is remarkable. He has likewise scored 798 goals in 1059 club career appearances.

About the author

Abel is an European football journalist who focuses primarily on analysis pieces and preview copies at Sportskeeda. A B.Sc degree holder in Economics, he has a previous work experience of 3 years – a year at Opera News Hub where he was promoted as a 'Verified Sports Writer,’ and over two years at Sportskeeda as a revenue-share writer, where his writing skills have ultimately led him to be integrated into the in-house team.

A Manchester United fan who grew up in a family of Red Devils supporters, he started his journey as an ardent football fan in his childhood. He used to spend hours watching the sport with his family and developed a knack for writing about the beautiful game over the years.

He is a huge admirer of Paul Pogba owing to the midfielder's ability to thread passes from anywhere on the pitch and his favorite manager is Jose Mourinho due to the Portuguese's tactical mind. He feels France's triumph in 2018 is his all-time favorite World Cup moment, and reckons Lamine Yamal and Endrick could replicate the rivalry between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Abel always strives to verify information, especially statistics, before penning a word and offers constructive but not defamatory criticisms. Apart from Europe's top five leagues, he follows the Eredivisie and the Primeira Liga. He loves to spend his free time playing video games like EA FC and watching movies.

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Edited by Abel Yisa