Ronaldo to Captain Saudi All Star XI Against Messi’s PSG in Friendly Game

• Cristiano Ronaldo is set to play his first match in Saudi Arabia versus Paris Saint-Germain
• The five-time Ballon d'Or winner will face Lionel Messi at the King Fahd Stadium this week
• The highly talked-about friendly game is set to take place in Riyadh on Thursday, January 19

Cristiano Ronaldo has been named captain of the Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal combined XI for the friendly against Paris Saint-Germain.

Ronaldo is expected to make his first bow since his move to the gulf region against Lionel Messi's PSG on Thursday, January 19.

The 37-year-old's much-heralded Al-Nassr debut was delayed due to a ban slapped on him by the English FA, with the friendly against PSG expected to be his first on Saudi Arabian soil.

Rudi Garcia, the coach of Al-Nassr, confirmed that the veteran striker would play in the friendly before making his competitive debut against Al-Etiffaq on January 22, per Reuters.

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It has now emerged that Ronaldo will play a vital role in the said match, having been appointed as the captain of the All-Star XI.

Turki Al-Sheikh, the chairman of Saudi Arabia's General Authority for Entertainment, confirmed the news on Twitter.

He posted a video of himself handing the armband to the former Manchester United and Real Madrid forward on social media, Sportskeeda reports.

Ronaldo meets Messi in friendly

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

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

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Al-Nassr coach, Garcia has confirmed the star's first game since his move to Saudi Arabia could be against Messi's PSG, in a friendly against a combined starting 11 from Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal.

Ronaldo amused by child's celebration

Sports Brief earlier reported that it would be fair to assume that Ronaldo is enjoying his adventure in Saudi Arabia.

From his warm welcome by the Al-Nassr faithful to the joyous pictures and videos that have subsequently been released, the striker is seemingly feeling at home.

In a video circulating currently, Anderson Talisca - one of Ronaldo's new teammates - brought his son to the dressing room to show the Portuguese superstar how big of a fan his child is.