Karim Benzema's Message to Cristiano Ronaldo Sparks Tension in Saudi Pro League Title Race

Karim Benzema reportedly sent a lighthearted message to former Real Madrid teammate Cristiano Ronaldo, teasing him about winning another Saudi Pro League title after a high-profile move to Al Hilal that has allegedly left the Al Nassr captain "furious."

Cristiano Ronaldo is said to be frustrated by what he perceives as preferential treatment for Al Hilal by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), which owns both clubs along with Al Ittihad and Al Ahli.

While Al Hilal, the current league leaders, invested a reported €70.8 million ($84.1 million) in the January transfer window, Ronaldo's Al Nassr made a more modest addition in 26-year-old Saudi forward Abdullah Al-Hamdan.

PAY ATTENTION: Follow us on Google News, Stay informed with Latest Sport News

In an apparent protest of his club's transfer strategy, Ronaldo was absent for Al Nassr's first two matches in February, both of which resulted in victories. In contrast, Benzema made an immediate impact at his new club, scoring a hat-trick on his debut for Al Hilal.

According to a report from The Telegraph, the French Ballon d'Or winner contacted Ronaldo before his debut.

Karim Benzema is said to have "jokingly" texted his former teammate, suggesting that his mid-season transfer would secure him another league championship and a salary increase.

This comes after Ronaldo's Al Nassr lost the league title to Benzema's Al Ittihad last season. Currently, Al Nassr is trailing Al Hilal in the race for this year's championship.

While sources emphasise that Ronaldo's frustration is not aimed at Benzema personally, the reminder of past and present title challenges is unlikely to have been well-received.

Al Nassr's next fixture is an away match in the AFC Champions League Two against Arkadag in Turkmenistan. Although Ronaldo has been seen in training, his participation in the midweek game remains uncertain.

The influence of the Portuguese star at Al Nassr is undeniable. Manager Jorge Jesus reportedly returned to Saudi Arabia on Ronaldo's recommendation, and both the club's sporting director, Simão Coutinho, and CEO, José Semedo, are friends from his time in the Sporting CP youth academy. Any disruption involving the team's central figure is bound to create complications.

At 41, Ronaldo's days at the pinnacle of European football are likely behind him. According to Opta's power rankings, Al Nassr's current level is comparable to top-tier English Championship sides like Coventry City and Middlesbrough.

While a move to MLS to reignite his rivalry with Lionel Messi could be a compelling narrative, the financial structure of the league would necessitate a significant pay cut for the superstar.

Ultimately, Cristiano Ronaldo's future depends on his priorities. His recent reaction to the transfer market suggests that winning remains a primary motivation, alongside his stated goal of reaching 1,000 career goals, regardless of the level of competition.