On January 29, Inter Miami is set to compete against Al-Hilal, followed by a match against Al Nassr, the team led by Ronaldo, on February 1. Both Al-Hilal and Al Nassr currently lead the Saudi Pro League, with Ronaldo holding the top scorer position in the league.
Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are set to cross paths in Saudi Arabia, marking a confirmation by Inter Miami on Monday regarding their participation in the Riyadh Season Cup. This announcement aligns with the prior declaration made by Saudi officials on November 21, refuting earlier reports from that time that were deemed inaccurate by Inter Miami.
Scheduled for January 29, Inter Miami is slated to face Al-Hilal, followed by a matchup against Al Nassr on February 1, the team captained by Ronaldo. Both Al-Hilal and Al Nassr currently lead the Saudi Pro League, and Ronaldo holds the position of the league’s top scorer.
Inter Miami’s sporting director, Chris Henderson, expressed enthusiasm about these upcoming matches, recognizing them as crucial tests for the team as they gear up for the new season. Henderson stated, “These matches will offer important tests for our team, which will benefit us as we approach the new season. We’re excited for our group to get the chance to go up against teams with as much quality as Al-Hilal and Al Nassr.”
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The history between Messi and Ronaldo adds another layer of anticipation to this encounter. Having faced each other 35 times in matches for both club and country, Messi’s teams have emerged victorious 16 times, Ronaldo’s 10 times, and on nine occasions, the sides settled for a draw. Messi boasts 21 goals and 12 assists in these encounters, while Ronaldo has contributed 20 goals and one assist.
Messi’s involvement in promoting tourism in Saudi Arabia has been notable, and in May, he faced suspension from his former club Paris Saint-Germain for an unauthorized trip to the country. The Argentine forward also participated in the Riyadh Season Cup earlier this year when PSG was the guest team.
Saudi Arabia has been actively striving to establish itself as a significant player in global soccer, signing some of the sport’s premier players amidst allegations of sportswashing. Despite these efforts, the kingdom couldn’t secure Messi when he departed PSG at the end of the last season. Instead, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner opted to make a move to Major League Soccer.
Messi and Ronaldo, widely regarded as two of the greatest players of all time, competed against each other for soccer’s top honors during their prime years at Barcelona and Real Madrid, respectively. Inter Miami’s preseason now includes four announced matches, including one against the El Salvador national team on January 19 and a clash against a team of top players in Hong Kong on February 4. The MLS schedule is expected to kick off in late February.
