Football legends Messi and Ronaldo set to clash in riyadh season cup

In a highly anticipated showdown, football icons Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are slated to go head-to-head once again as Major League Soccer club Inter Miami CF participates in the Riyadh Season Cup exhibition tournament in Saudi Arabia. The tournament features matches against Saudi teams Al-Hilal and Al Nassr, adding excitement to the global football calendar.

Inter Miami CF officially announced their participation, confirming a match against Al-Hilal on January 29 at Riyadh’s King Fahd International Stadium. Shortly after, they are set to face Al Nassr, featuring former Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo, on February 1 at the same venue. Xavier Asensi, Chief Business Officer of Inter Miami, expressed excitement, stating, “We are excited to connect with new supporters in Saudi Arabia, and also hope people all over the world will be tuning in to see a pair of dream matches like these.”

Contrary to previous denials, these high-profile friendlies are deemed crucial pre-season tests for Inter Miami CF as they prepare for their 2023 campaign. Chris Henderson, Chief Soccer Officer for Miami, emphasized the significance of these matches, stating, “These matches will offer important tests for our team, which will benefit us as we approach the new season.”

The impending clash between Ronaldo and Messi follows their encounter in January 2023 when Paris Saint-Germain faced a Saudi all-star team including the Portuguese striker. In that thrilling match, both players found the net in a 5-4 PSG victory. With 36 previous clashes at the club and international level, Messi currently leads the head-to-head battle with 16 wins to Ronaldo’s 10.

Saudi Arabia’s substantial investments in hosting major sporting events have successfully attracted global football superstars like Cristiano Ronaldo to their domestic league. The two January friendlies are expected to capture worldwide attention, providing fans with an exciting opportunity to witness these legendary figures renew their iconic sports rivalry on the grand stage.