In an eagerly awaited match meant to highlight football legends Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, Al Nassr of the Saudi Pro League handed Inter Miami from MLS a resounding 6-0 defeat.
The anticipated showdown in Riyadh, expected to be Messi and Ronaldo’s 37th face-off, shifted focus with Ronaldo sidelined since January 22 due to an injury. Despite nearing the end of his recovery, he missed the game.
Reuters reported that Messi appeared late, entering in the 83rd minute with Al Nassr leading by six after battling hamstring issues.
Al Nassr’s Anderson Talisca scored three goals. The match, expected to centre on Messi and Ronaldo, saw Al Nassr’s triumph with contributions from Talisca, Otávio, Aymeric Laporte, and Mohammed Maran.
With Ronaldo and Messi absent for much of the game, the Riyadh Season Cup showcased Al Nassr’s prowess, leaving fans to ponder what could have been. As the sports world looks forward to their recovery, the hope remains for a future clash between these football titans.