Despite their moves to different continents, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi could potentially square up against each other for the 37th time which has sent ripples of excitement through the soccer world.
A Chinese international marketing company wants to host an All-Star game between Inter Miami and Al-Nassr in China, according to Al Bilad Daily journalist Ali Alabdallh.
The intriguing possibility of bringing together the star players of both teams, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, on one enormous stage is what distinguishes this proposed match from others.
Al-Nassr has reportedly received their invitation to a friendly tournament in January 2023, but Inter Miami has not yet received an official invitation to the premier event.
🚨 A broadcasting company is organisizing a friendly match between Al-Nassr and Inter Miami CF to be played in China.
Cristiano Ronaldo & Lionel Messi are set to meet again.#AlNassr #InterMiamiCF pic.twitter.com/cdQZc17bjc
— Saudi Foot (@SaudiFootPlus) September 28, 2023
In a friendly match earlier this year, Ronaldo and Messi met each other. The meeting took place in January during a friendly game between Riyadh XI and PSG, reigniting the passion of fans who long for more meetings between these soccer royalty.
In their 36 prior encounters, Messi currently holds the advantage in the head-to-head record over Ronaldo. The 2022 World Cup winner Argentina has 16 victories in competitive games to Ronaldo’s 11. Nine matches involving the two soccer icons ended in draws in addition to these victories. Messi has scored an impressive 22 goals to Ronaldo’s 21 in their meetings, one more than the two of them combined.
Lionel Messi’s absence leaves Inter Miami struggling in U.S. Open Cup final
Lionel Messi’s absence notably impacted Inter Miami as they ultimately lost to Houston Dynamo 2-1 in the U.S. Open Cup final on Wednesday. After this setback, Inter Miami’s management and supporters crossed their fingers that their star player would recover quickly.
The Argentine maestro’s injury saga started on September 20 when he was taken off the field just 37 minutes into the game against Toronto FC. Due to a troubling injury concern that ultimately kept him out for a long time, he had to be replaced abruptly.
Houston Dynamo take down Inter Miami and win the U.S. Open Cup 👏 pic.twitter.com/QPWgVCl7VT
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) September 28, 2023
In Messi’s absence, the Herons have faced a difficult situation. The team has played four games without him since his eagerly awaited arrival in July, winning two and losing two.
Jordi Alba, another important player, exacerbated Inter Miami’s situation by being absent from the U.S. Open Cup final in addition to Messi. Since the left-back has been a crucial component of the group’s defense and attacking build-up play, Alba’s absence made the team’s problems worse.
Inter Miami miss you Legend. Comeback strong🐐❤️ pic.twitter.com/r65Kl7zC96
— Blackboy (@heisblackboyy_) September 28, 2023
The team’s supporters and coaching staff will be eagerly awaiting word on Messi’s health as their upcoming matchup with NYCFC in an Eastern Conference showdown on Saturday looms large. Since Messi’s presence on the field has the potential to change the course of a game, Inter Miami’s head coach, Tata Martino, undoubtedly hopes for Messi’s return to the starting lineup.
