Messi, Ronaldo set to face off in Riyadh Season Cup

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FOOTBALL Messi, Ronaldo set to face off in Riyadh Season Cup

Festus Chuma 13:00 - 12.12.2023

Inter Miami CF embarks on its first-ever international tour to Saudi Arabia for a thrilling showdown with football legends.

Lionel Messi's Inter Miami CF is set to make history as they embark on their maiden international tour to Saudi Arabia, headlining the Riyadh Season Cup in 2024.

In an electrifying turn of events, the team will face off against Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr FC in a clash that has fans across the globe buzzing with excitement.

The iconic duo of Messi and Ronaldo, who have shared the limelight on the world stage for years, will renew their rivalry in a showdown that promises to be nothing short of sensational.

The Riyadh Season Cup will feature two captivating matches in a round-robin tournament format, as Inter Miami also locks horns with Saudi giants Al-Hilal SFC.

“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 thrilling encounters will not only provide entertainment but will also serve as crucial tests for Inter Miami's squad as they gear up for the upcoming season.

Chris Henderson, Chief Soccer Officer and Sporting Director, expressed his enthusiasm.

“These matches will offer important tests for our team, which will benefit us as we approach the new season. 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," he added.

The first showdown will see Inter Miami take on Al-Hilal at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh on Monday, January 29, at 1 p.m. ET (10 p.m. East Africa Time).

Al-Hilal, the most decorated team in Asia with an astonishing 66 titles, currently dominates the league table and boasts a formidable lineup.

Under the guidance of former Sporting CP player and manager Jorge Jesus, they showcase star talents including Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, Rúben Neves, Aleksandar Mitrovic, Kalidou Koulibaly, and Malcom.

Then, on Thursday, February 1, the eagerly anticipated clash between Inter Miami and Al Nassr will take center stage, again at the Kingdom Arena, at 1 p.m. ET (10p.m. East Africa Time).

This match is nothing short of a footballing dream, pitting Inter Miami's icon Lionel Messi against his long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo, who currently dazzles with Al Nassr and leads the Saudi Pro League's goal-scoring charts this season.

Luís Castro, the Portuguese manager at the helm of Al Nassr, has assembled a star-studded squad that includes not only Ronaldo but also talents like Sadio Mané and Aymeric Laporte.

With the spotlight on Messi and Ronaldo, football fans around the world eagerly anticipate this thrilling encounter.

Messi and Ronaldo have clashed 35 times in their illustrious careers, with Messi claiming 16 wins to Ronaldo's 10, with nine draws between them.

These encounters have witnessed a goal-scoring extravaganza, with Messi tallying 21 goals and 12 assists, while Ronaldo has registered 20 goals and one assist.

Their rivalry is etched in footballing history, and the Riyadh Season Cup promises to add another unforgettable chapter to their storied careers.

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