In an unexpected turn of events, the football world is set for another chapter in the long-standing rivalry between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Inter Miami has officially confirmed its participation in the Riyadh Season Cup, scheduled for 2024 in Saudi Arabia. The announcement comes after initial reports from Saudi officials on Nov. 21, which were disputed by the club at the time.
Inter Miami is slated to face Al-Hilal on January 29, followed by a clash with Al Nassr, Ronaldo’s team, on Feb. 1. Both Al-Hilal and Al Nassr currently lead the Saudi Pro League, with Cristiano Ronaldo standing as the league’s top scorer.
“This is an important test for our team as we gear up for the new season,” stated Inter Miami’s Sporting Director, Chris Henderson. “We’re eager for our squad to face formidable opponents like Al-Hilal and Al Nassr, providing invaluable experience.”
Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo: Inter Miami vs Al Nassr
Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, often hailed as two of the greatest footballers in history, have squared off 35 times in various club and country competitions. Inter Miami revealed that Messi’s teams have emerged victorious in 16 encounters, Ronaldo’s in 10, with the remaining nine ending in draws. Messi boasts 21 goals and 12 assists, while Ronaldo has notched 20 goals and one assist in these clashes.
Messi’s association with Saudi Arabia includes promoting tourism and participating in the Riyadh Season Cup earlier this year when Paris Saint-Germain served as the guest team. However, Messi’s decision to join Major League Soccer (MLS) with Inter Miami marked a deviation from the trend of star players moving to the oil-rich kingdom.
The Saudi push to become a significant force in global soccer has seen the signing of top players, raising allegations of sportswashing. Despite their efforts, Messi opted for MLS over Saudi Arabia after leaving PSG at the end of the previous season.
As the anticipation builds for the Riyadh Season Cup clash, Inter Miami preseason now includes four confirmed matches, with fixtures against the El Salvador national team on Jan. 19 and a showdown against a top player lineup in Hong Kong on Feb. 4. The MLS season is expected to kick off in late February, promising an exciting start to the year for football enthusiasts worldwide.
