A spectacular friendly between Inter Miami and Al-Nassr is scheduled for February 2024. Fans can expect an epic duel between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. The Riyadh Season Cup’s “clash of the titans” between two football superstars is the last match, and spectators everywhere can expect an incredible show.
After departing Paris Saint-Germain, soccer icon Lionel Messi, now 36, blasted into Inter Miami and lit up the MLS with 11 goals and five assists in 14 games. Ronaldo, at 38, shot to more glory at Al-Nassr after dominating 36 games with 30 goals and 11 assists. These icons are redefining soccer everywhere they play, and time hasn’t dimmed their genius.
- Messi and Ronaldo left Europe, presumably putting an end to their long-standing rivalry.
- Over their careers, they faced each other 36 times, with Messi winning 16 encounters and losing 11
- During a friendly between PSG and the Riyadh All Stars, their animosity was reignited.
- With goals from Ronaldo twice and Messi once more, PSG won 5–4.
- Their legendary rivalry gained a new chapter with this encounter.
Goat Rivalry Not Over Yet
After Lionel Messi moved to Inter Miami, Cristiano Ronaldo declared that the Saudi Pro League was superior to Major League Soccer. Both leagues are drawing European superstars, with Sadio Mane, Karim Benzema, and Neymar following Ronaldo’s example. This indicates a big shift in player preferences toward the Middle East.
“The Saudi league is better than MLS. Now all the players are coming here. In one year, more top players will come to Saudi Arabia.” an article from sportskeeda.com said.
The emergence of elite players like Karim Benzema, Neymar, and Sadio Mane in the Middle East has brought interest to the Saudi Pro League and Major League Soccer (MLS). Following in Cristiano Ronaldo’s footsteps, these leagues have developed into popular destinations for European players looking for fresh challenges.
The Transfer to Miami
Notably, Lionel Messi made a big move to Inter Miami, where he reunited at DRV PNK Stadium with two legendary Barcelona players—Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba—in a reunion that captivated the crowd. The transfer frenzy of this summer has not only improved these leagues but also aroused excitement and anticipation among football fans all across the world.
Cover Photo: IG Collage