Lionel Messi Cristiano Ronaldo miss Inter Miami Al Nassr friendly

Messi and Ronaldo sidelined for Inter Miami's friendly in Saudi Arabia, potentially ending their rivalry with no final face-off.

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, two of the greatest footballers of all time, will not be facing off in Inter Miami's friendly with Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr on Thursday. Inter Miami, currently on a pre-season tour of Asia, had scheduled a two-match stop in Saudi Arabia, with games against Al Hilal and Al Nassr at Kingdom Arena. Unfortunately, Messi has pulled out of the friendly due to a muscle complaint, joining Ronaldo on the sidelines.

The potential meeting between Messi and Ronaldo had garnered global attention, as it could have been the final time the two legends faced each other on the pitch. The last time the two met was in January 2023 when Messi, then playing for Paris Saint-Germain, faced a Saudi Pro League XI featuring Ronaldo in an exhibition match. Messi scored once for PSG, while Ronaldo scored twice for his side.

The last competitive meeting between Messi and Ronaldo was in December 2020 when Barcelona were defeated 3-0 by Juventus in the Champions League group stage. This was their only matchup after Ronaldo left Real Madrid in 2018. Ronaldo scored two goals from the penalty spot in that game.

Following the cancellation of the friendly with Al Nassr, Inter Miami will continue their tour of Asia with a trip to Hong Kong to face a Hong Kong League XI. Meanwhile, Al Nassr will return to competitive action in a fortnight against Al-Fayha in the Asian Champions League.

It's disappointing for football fans that Messi and Ronaldo won't be facing off in this friendly, but there's still hope that these two legends will meet again on the pitch before the end of their illustrious careers.

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