Share this @internewscast.com

Lionel Messi has pulled out of Inter Miami’s friendly with Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr on Thursday, joining career rival Cristiano Ronaldo on the sidelines.

Inter Miami are touring Asia as part of their pre-season preparations and scheduled a two-match stop in Saudi Arabia, with games against Al Hilal and Al Nassr at Kingdom Arena pencilled in.

They were beaten 4-3 by Al Hilal on Monday and global attention turned to Thursday’s clash with Al Nassr in which Messi would meet Ronaldo for potentially the final time in their respective careers.

However, Ronaldo was ruled out of the friendly with a muscle complaint – a problem which saw Al Nassr cancel two recent friendlies in China – and Messi has now also picked up a similar problem and withdrawn from Inter Miami’s squad following an MRI scan.

The legendary duo last met on the pitch in January 2023 when Messi – then of Paris Saint-Germain – beat a Saudi Pro League XI featuring Ronaldo 5-4 in an exhibition match. Messi scored once for PSG and Ronaldo grabbed a brace for his side.

The last competitive meeting between Messi and Ronaldo came in December 2020 when Barcelona were beaten 3-0 by Juventus at Camp Nou in the Champions League group stage – their only matchup after the Portugal international left Real Madrid in 2018. Ronaldo was again on hand to fire in a brace, with both goals coming from the penalty spot.

After Thursday’s game, Inter Miami continue their tour of Asia with a trip to Hong Kong to face a Hong Kong League XI, while Al Nassr return to competitive action in a fortnight against Al-Fayha in the Asian Champions League.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Jamie Carragher Urges Arne Slot to Make Tough Decision on Mo Salah’s Future Amid Form Concerns, as Gary Neville Highlights Decline Signs

Jamie Carragher has issued a caution to Arne Slot, suggesting that Mohamed…

Louis van Gaal, exentrenador del FC Barcelona, celebra su recuperación del cáncer con una copa de vino en el Algarve

Louis van Gaal, el exentrenador de Manchester United y FC Barcelona, ha…

Meet Sverre Nypan: Man City’s Multi-Talented Prodigy Who Rejected United and Arsenal

As Ingrid Halseth approached her 50th birthday, she made a request that…

James McClean Opens Up About Troubling Past and Safety Fears Amid Poppy Protest Controversy

In a candid revelation, Wrexham’s captain James McClean shared a harrowing glimpse…

Tel Aviv Football Derby Cancelled Amid Safety Concerns as Violent Stadium Riots Erupt; Israeli Fans Face Aston Villa Match Ban

The much-anticipated Tel Aviv football derby was abruptly called off due to…

Inside Manchester City’s Dynamic Duo: How Lijnders and Guardiola’s Bromance is Elevating Erling Haaland’s Game

Pep Lijnders teaming up with Manchester City was arguably the most fascinating…

Max Verstappen’s Unstoppable Momentum: Jonathan McEvoy Analyzes Red Bull Star’s Dominant US Grand Prix Victory and His Path to a Historic Comeback

Max Verstappen emerged triumphant at the US Grand Prix on Sunday night,…

Scottish Talent Miller Set to Ignite Udinese’s Season: A Turning Point in Italy’s Serie A

As the international break wraps up, many are left contemplating the timeless…