Michael, the star of Al-Hilal, maintains that he did not aim to offend Lionel Messi by imitating Cristiano Ronaldo’s “Siuuu” goal celebration against Inter Miami.

When the Brazilian attacker lined up for his Saudi Pro League team against MLS rivals in the Riyadh Cup, he was spot on. In a nail-biting 4-3 triumph, Michael netted Al-Hilal’s third goal and could not contain his happiness.

With the Portuguese superstar now a domestic competitor on Al-Nassr’s books, Michael sprinted off and unleashed Ronaldo’s famous celebration. Many wondered what Messi would think when an opponent imitated his enduring foe on the same field.

With the Argentine used to being in the forefront of the ongoing GOAT argument, Messi has seen enough over the years to know that such behavior will never affect him. Michael has informed Saudi media that he was not trying to make a point to the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner. “I am nothing compared to Messi,” he declared. This is not my kind of comparison. I’m a huge fan and admirer of his. I give thanks to God that I get to spend time with him and enjoy a football game. I would like to thank everyone involved in the Riyadh Season Cup, which gave us the opportunity to play against Lionel Messi, the greatest player in the world. We relished the altercation.

Ronaldo may play against Messi in their upcoming match; the Portuguese player is trying to recover from a setback in time to play Inter Miami in another friendly on Thursday.