The Riyadh Season Cup Showdown: Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr vs. Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami
The much-anticipated showdown between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi looks set to be put on hold, with Ronaldo ruled out of Al-Nassr’s clash with Inter Miami in the Riyadh Season Cup due to injury.
Match Preview:
This will be Al-Nassr’s first outing in the mini-tournament, while Inter Miami were defeated 4-3 by Al Hilal on Monday.
Al-Nassr are currently seven points behind Al Hilal in the Saudi Pro League, despite finishing 2023 with five straight wins and Ronaldo scoring 20 goals in 18 appearances.
Inter Miami finished second-bottom of the Eastern Conference in MLS and have struggled in recent friendlies.
Key Players:
Al-Nassr: Aymeric Laporte, Alex Telles, Marcelo Brozovic, Anderson Talisca, Otavio
Inter Miami: Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets
Possible Lineups:
Al-Nassr: Al Aqidi; S Al Ghannam, Al Amri, Laporte, Alex Telles; Brozovic, Al Sulaiheem, Yahya, K Al Ghannam, Otavio; Anderson Talisca
Inter Miami: Callender; Yedlin, Aviles, Kryvtsov, Allen, Jordi Alba; Gressel, Busquets, Ruiz; Messi, Suarez
Ronaldo’s Absence:
Ronaldo’s injury is a major blow for Al-Nassr and the fans who were hoping to see the final meeting between him and Messi. However, there is still plenty of quality on both sides, and the match promises to be an entertaining encounter.
Additional Notes:
Sadio Mane is unlikely to feature for Al-Nassr as he is still with Senegal at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Luis Suarez has linked up with Messi at Inter Miami and is in good form, scoring against Al Hilal on Monday.
