"I'm not Lionel Messi, I can't take the ball and go alone" – Riyad Mahrez hits back at reporter when asked about recent poor form

Al-Ahli forward Riyad Mahrez has suggested that he is not Argentina legend Lionel Messi and cannot change his Saudi Pro League team's fortunes by himself.

Mahrez, who is a five-time Premier League winner, joined Al-Ahli in a transfer worth up to £30 million from Manchester City in the summer of 2023. He helped his current club finish third in the Saudi Pro League standings last campaign. 

However, the former Leicester City man has struggled to live up to expectations this term. He has registered just three goals and one assist in 12 Saudi Pro League matches this campaign as his side currently sit in sixth spot in the league.

After failing to score in Al-Ahli's recent 2-2 AFC Champions League Elite draw against Iranian outfit Esteghlal, Mahrez was asked to share his thoughts on his form. He replied (h/t Tribuna):

"You cannot compare Manchester City and here. You need everyone to play good. Me, I'm a team player. I'm not Lionel Messi, I can't take the ball and go alone. If the team play good, I play good. You understand?"

Mahrez, who will turn 34 next February, relished a fine five-year stint at Manchester City from 2018 to 2023. The 97-cap Algeria international registered 78 goals and 56 assists in 236 total games for Pep Guardiola's side, lifting 12 trophies. 

Meanwhile, the left-footed technical dribbler has started all 52 of his appearances across all competitions for Al-Ahli so far. He has found the back of the opposition net 18 times and laid out 21 assists for the Saudi Pro League club so far.

Inter Miami manager Javier Mascherano insists reunion with Lionel Messi will be advantageous

Speaking to ESPN, new Inter Miami manager Javier Mascherano suggested that working with Lionel Messi again will prove to be beneficial. He elaborated:

"We must remember that it is not that we're making that change [from teammate to coach] right now, a lot of water has passed under the bridge. I left Barcelona in 2018, and a lot has changed. We are grown-up people, we know how to differentiate things."

Mascherano, who replaced Gerardo Martino at the helm, continued:

"I think life is easier when we do things naturally, and not force situations. I take it as an advantage to be able to know each other, to have had them as teammates and obviously to have great players like them now."

Mascherano played alongside Messi 414 times during his playing career.

The 40-year-old has a contract until December 2027 at Inter Miami.