Club friendlies are usually not that attractive in world soccer, but it’s safe to say the game between Al-Nassr and Inter Miami could have been the exception for only one reason: the possibility of seeing Cristiano Ronaldo face Lionel Messi one last time. Unfortunately, neither the Portuguese striker nor the Argentine star will start in this game.
The match, which will take place today at 1 PM (ET), will be part of the Riyadh Season Cup. The MLS side has already begun its participation in this friendly tournament, losing 3-4 to Al-Hilal in an extremely entertaining match at Kingdom Arena.
That stadium will now host what was expected to be a highly anticipated match between Ronaldo and Messi, but it won’t be the case. For years, these stars have taken center stage while shining in Europe, so it’s not a surprise to see so many fans disappointed that they’re not seeing them face off once again.
Why is Cristiano Ronaldo not playing against Messi’s Inter Miami?
Cristiano Ronaldo’s presence has been put into question due to an injury that already forced Al-Nassr to postpone two friendlies in China last week. On Wednesday, Al-Nassr coach Luis Castro raised even more doubts around the Portuguese star’s availability. While he didn’t rule Ronaldo out, Castro predicted that he wouldn’t make it on time. Eventually, the calf injury picked up during the Saudi Pro League’s midseason break ended up ruling Ronaldo out of the Inter Miami friendly as well.
Al-Nassr’s starting lineup: Ospina, Sultan, Alamri, Laporte, Telles, Alsulaihem, Otavio, Brozovic, Talisca, Alalewa, Marran.
Why is Lionel Messi not playing against Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr?
Unlike Ronaldo, there were no concerns around Lionel Messi’s fitness for this match. Until Thursday. It turns out that the Argentine star, who was initially expected to play against Al-Nassr from the get-go, picked up a hamstring injury.
According to Michelle Kaufman of the Miami Herald, Messi “felt discomfort” after the match against Al-Hilal, had MRI and is being held out as precaution. But unlike Ronaldo, Messi will be on the bench.
Inter Miami’s lineup: Callender, Gressel, Aviles, Kryvtsov, Allen, Alba, Gregore, Busquets, Ruiz, Suarez, Campana.
