The massive day has arrived, as Lionel Messi‘s Inter Miami tackle Cristiano Ronaldo‘s Al-Nassr in a high-profile pleasant conflict in Saudi Arabia. Fans have been ready for this present day for the reason that schedule of the fixture was introduced, however sadly, Ronaldo won’t function within the match, that means there will probably be no ‘final dance’ between him and Messi. Fans have been wanting to see the 2 GOATs, who’ve dominated the world of soccer for 15 years, sq. off as soon as once more, in a brand new territory however Al-Nassr coach delivered crushing information on the Portuguese forwards’ availability. 

“We will not see [Messi vs Ronaldo], Ronaldo is in the final part of his recovery to join the group. We hope that in the next few days, you can start working with the team. He will be absent from the game,” Al-Nassr coach Luis Castro mentioned with a grim on his face.

Earlier, Al-Nassr needed to cancel their journey to China over considerations on Ronaldo’s health. The veteran ahead is not somebody who’s often on the therapy desk however this time, he is not absolutely match to function in opposition to his arch-rival Messi.

Messi’s Inter Miami have been in Saudi Arabia for just a few days now. On Monday, the Argentine’s teammate Luis Suarez bagged his maiden aim for Inter Miami whereas Messi scored in a 4-3 defeat in opposition to Saudi Pro League facet Al Hilal in Riyadh.

An 88th-minute header from Brazilian ahead Malcom settled an entertaining pleasant on the Kingdom Arena after Miami fought again to 3-3 from 3-1 down early within the second half.

The recreation was the most recent leg of Miami’s globe-trotting pre-season tour forward of the beginning of the Major League Soccer season on February 21.

Former Fulham striker and Serbian worldwide Aleksandar Mitrovic fired Al Hilal head within the tenth minute, coolly side-footing his end past Miami goalkeeper Drake Callender after a well-worked transfer that break up the defence vast open.

Saudi worldwide ahead Abdullah Al-Hamdan made it 2-0 after 13 minutes, punishing a botched clearance from Miami defender Noah Allen.

Sergio Busquets ought to have pulled a aim again for Miami within the twenty sixth minute however volleyed over from shut vary with simply Al Hilal goalkeeper Hbib Alwotayan to beat.

On 34 minutes although Miami’s stress bought its reward. A lofted cross from Jordi Alba excessive caught the Al Hilal defence sq., and Julian Gressel latched onto the ball earlier than sliding into the trail of Suarez who completed into an empty aim on the far put up.

The aim was initially disallowed for offside however a VAR verify overturned the offside name and the aim stood.

Al Hilal restored their two-goal benefit a minute earlier than half-time nonetheless when Al-Hamdan crossed into the realm for Brazilian ahead Michael to nod dwelling after Callender rushed off his line.

Miami responded strongly after the break, and drew stage with two targets in two minutes quickly after the restart.

Messi made it 3-2 from the penalty spot within the 54th minute after Mohammed Jahfali was harshly adjudged to have introduced down David Ruiz within the space.

Al Hilal have been nonetheless regrouping from the penalty when Miami levelled. Messi swept an extended cross into the trail of Ruiz, and the winger minimize in from the left and uncorked a ferocious strike that made it 3-3.

The recreation appeared destined to finish in a draw however Malcolm headed dwelling two minutes from time to seal the win.

With AFP inputs