By Victor Kanayo
It has been revealed that Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami will play two matches in Saudi Arabia early next year, including one against familiar foe Cristiano Ronaldo and his club Al-Nassr.
The clash is specially scheduled for February 1, 2023.
This was disclosed by the Major League Soccer team in a press statement.
Clash Confirmation
Part of the statement reads, “This is another major opportunity to create lasting relationships with passionate fans.
“We are excited to connect with new supporters in Saudi Arabia, and also hopeli people all over the world will be tuning in to see a pair of dream matches like these.”
The Riyadh Season Cup, a three-team round-robin tournament, is part of the team’s first international tour, which will also include stops in El Salvador and Hong Kong.
Earlier, Miami will face Al-Hilal at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh on January 29, 2023 before facing Al-Nassr at the same venue.
Top Players’ Exploits
Messi and Ronaldo, who have faced each other more than 30 times in their careers, have won 13 Ballon d’Or awards between them, with the Argentine leading that race eight to five.
Messi received an offer to play in the Saudi league after leaving Paris St Germain but opted to sign with Miami, where he led the team to a trophy in the Leagues Cup and sent ticket prices skyrocketing.
In 17 appearances in all competitions, Ronaldo, captain of Portugal has scored 16 goals and provided nine assists. Al-Alami trail champions Al-Hilal by four points after 13 games, despite having the league’s best totals of 13 goals and 7 assists.
The majority of Ronaldo’s goals (105 goals, 31 assists) and matches (101) came from Real Madrid, the team he won four titles with.
In 2008, the year he earned the inaugural Ballon d’Or award, he also won a title with Manchester United.
