Ronaldo Set for His Debut in Saudi Arabia Against Messi

Ronaldo Set for His Debut in Saudi Arabia Against Messi

Elijah Odetokun
updated at April 12, 2023 at 8:22 PM
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  • Cristiano Ronaldo completed a mega money move to Saudi Arabia league club Al-Nassr
  • He is yet to debut due to registration issues and a suspension carried over from England
  • His debut could now come against arch-rival Lionel Messi in a friendly game versus PSG

Cristiano Ronaldo left Europe after his contract with Manchester United was terminated, following an explosive interview he did with British broadcaster, Piers Morgan.

The 37-year-old joined Saudi Arabia Pro League side, Al-Nassr on a two-and-a-half year contract worth €200m per year. He is yet to make his debut, due to a suspension he earned in England.

Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, World Cup, PSG, Al Nassr, Riyadh Season Cup, Saudi Arabia.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi could face each other in the Riyadh Season Cup. Photos by Aurelien Meunier/AFP.
Source: Getty Images

Al-Nassr manager, Rudi Garcia has confirmed the superstar's first game since his move to Saudi Arabia could be against Lionel Messi's Paris Saint-Germain, in a friendly against a combined starting 11 from Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal.

Ronaldo's likely debut versus Messi

As reported by Arab News, the players of Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal will form a team and play against PSG in the Riyadh Season Cup 2022. The match will be played at the King Fahd International Stadium on January 19.

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Garcia confirmed it will be Ronaldo's first game since his move to the club, while his first league game could come against Al-Ettifaq on January 22.

He made this known in an interview, as quoted by Guardian.

“His debut won’t be with the Al-Nassr jersey. It will be a mix between Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr. As the coach of Al-Nassr, I cannot be happy with this match. For development, to see PSG, to see the great Parisian players, indeed it is a good thing,” he said.

Messi is also yet to play his first game for PSG since winning the World Cup, and would be in contention to play against Angers in a Ligue 1 match this Wednesday.

Manchester United introduce 'Ronaldo rule'

Ronaldo is the most influential footballer in the world, both on the pitch and on social media, and has seen many rules or decisions created or bent for him.

Sports Brief earlier reported that Manchester United have created a new 'Ronaldo rule' after his departure, which is targeted at creating a salary cap of a little above £200,000 per week at the club.

According to the Sun, the former Real Madrid star earned about £480,000 per week at the Red Devils, with the club looking to introduce a cap amid wages of a staggering £228m per season.

Authors
Elijah Odetokun photo
Elijah Odetokun
Elijah Odetokun is Reuters-trained journalist with three years of experience having previously worked at Daily Times Nigeria, OmaSports and El Futbolero.
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