After months and months of speculation, a game that could serve as the coda in the rivalry between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo will take place in the Middle East.
Inter Miami confirmed that Messi and the rest of his team will be traveling to Saudi Arabia to play Cristiano Ronaldo’s club, Al Nassr.
Before that, they will be kicking off a match against Al-Hilal – the club that his friend Neymar plays for.
While the Brazilian may still be recovering from a torn ACL by that time, it’s the potential of a final match between Messi and CR7 that could capture the world’s attention.
Both matches will be taking place at the Kingdom Arena in the Saudi Arabian capital of Riyadh.
Lionel Messi and his Inter Miami team will travel to Saudi Arabia to play preseason friendlies
One of the two matches will feature old foe Cristiano Ronaldo and his club Al Nassr
Miami will also face Al-Hilal, the club of one of Messi’s friends – the injured Brazilian Neymar
‘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 hope people all over the world will be tuning in to see a pair of dream matches like these,’ said Xavier Asensi, Inter Miami CF Chief Business Officer.
‘These matches will offer important tests for our team, which will benefit us as we approach the new season,’ said Inter Miami’s Chief Soccer Officer and Sporting Director Chris Henderson.
‘We’re excited for our group to get the chance to go up against teams with as much quality as Al-Hilal and Al Nassr.’
Rumors of a match between Inter Miami and Al Nassr were shot down by the American club just a matter of weeks ago.
Messi and Ronaldo have played each other 35 times, with Messi winning 16 of those matches, Ronaldo winning ten, and nine matches coming to a draw.
The match will be played at two very different points in the season for the two clubs.
Al Nassr will be in the midst of their campaign in the Saudi Pro League and in Asian competition. Inter Miami, on the other hand, will not have even started their MLS season for another few weeks.
But that’s not to say they won’t have some games under them. Inter Miami will have already played against two national teams before the Saudi swing: one against El Salvador and another vs. Hong Kong.
