The much-anticipated showdown between Ronaldo and Messi remained elusive, as Al Nassr’s captain was sidelined due to injury and was not included in the registration list. Messi, nursing an injury from the previous match, only occupied the bench against Al Nassr. The Inter Miami captain made his appearance in the 83rd minute with the home team comfortably leading 6-0. During his brief 13 minutes on the field, the 37-year-old superstar mostly strolled, with limited opportunities to showcase his skills and minimal ball involvement.
Substituting for striker Leonardo Campagna, Messi found himself alongside only one other star, Sergio Busquets, as Luis Suarez and Jordi Alba had been substituted earlier. Messi touched the ball merely 10 times, attempted one shot that was blocked, and failed to dribble past an opponent. After the final whistle, he calmly walked into the tunnel while chewing candy.
Messi concluded his stint with Miami in Riyadh, having scored a penalty goal in the first match against Al Hilal in the Riyadh Season Cup. Across two matches, the American club suffered defeats in both, conceding 10 goals while scoring only three. They now witnessed Al Nassr advancing to the final against Al Hilal.
During the match, the camera captured Ronaldo seated in the stands, with Messi spending more time on the bench than most players on the field. These two stars, owners of 13 Golden Balls and the highest goal-scorers in history, exhibited contrasting reactions. Ronaldo frequently stood to celebrate his team’s goals, while Messi maintained a stoic expression even when his teammates revealed defensive shortcomings.
Al Nassr took a commanding 3-0 lead within 12 minutes, including a remarkable goal from midfielder Aymeric Laporte from his own half, leaving Ronaldo jubilant and Messi in a state of surprise. In the 25th minute, with Al Nassr leading 3-0, the camera simultaneously captured Messi and Ronaldo on the big screen. Ronaldo leaned back in his chair, crossed his arms, and smirked, while the Argentina captain displayed no visible emotion.
Ronaldo, recovering from an injury that led to the cancellation of Al Nassr’s tour in China last week, was absent on the field on February 1. Despite his absence, the Al Nassr audience continued to chant “siuuu” as striker Anderson Talisca imitated CR2’s signature spinning dance move. Talisca, in fact, was named the best player of the match, securing a hat-trick.
Following this encounter, Inter Miami is set to travel to Hong Kong for a friendly on February 4 and will later meet Vissel Kobe in Tokyo three days after. Al Nassr, on the other hand, will face Al Hilal to determine the champion of the Riyadh Season Cup on February 2.