Messi: Al Ettifaq Fans Taunt Ronaldo With Ballon d’Or Winner’s Name During King’s Cup Showdown

Al-Nassr captain Cristiano Ronaldo was teased by Al Ettifaq fans during their Saudi King's Cup tie

Ronaldo endured a difficult outing as the away fans chanted Lionel Messi's name to frustrate him

Although he failed to get on the scoresheet for the second consecutive game, his side secured a narrow win

Cristiano Ronaldo faced a challenging match during Al-Nassr's Saudi King's Cup clash with Al Ettifaq at the Al-Awwal Park on Tuesday, October 31.

As his long-time rival Lionel Messi secured his record-extending eighth Ballon d'Or award the previous night, Ronaldo found himself the subject of taunts from Al Ettifaq fans.

The Portuguese football sensation encountered a tough battle as the Knights of Najd crossed swords with Steven Gerrard's team for a spot in the quarterfinals.

After a hard-fought game that extended into extra time, it was former Liverpool and Bayern Munich winger Sadio Mane who eventually broke the deadlock, which ultimately proved to be the match-winner after 107 minutes, sparking jubilation among the home crowd.

Cristiano Ronaldo sparks excitement with brilliant freekick for Al Nassr

Football

Ettifaq fans taunt Ronaldo with 'Messi' chant

Before Mane's crucial goal silenced the visiting supporters, they took every opportunity to mock Ronaldo by chanting Messi's name, exacerbating the frustration evident on the face of the Al-Nassr captain, who was also perturbed by officiating, GOAL reports.

In response, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner made a gesture in an attempt to quell the antagonistic chant.

Here is the video:

What's next for Ronaldo and Al-Nassr?

After reaching the quarterfinal stage via Mane's goal, Ronaldo and his Al-Nassr teammates will turn their attention to the Saudi Pro League, where they will host 13th-placed Al Khaleej on Saturday, November 4, as cited by Sofascore.

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Ronaldo wants referee subbed off

During Al-Nassr's Saudi King's Cup match against Al Ettifaq, Cristiano Ronaldo made a request for the substitution of the centre referee, as noted by Sports Brief.

Ronaldo sends powerful message to fans after spearheading Al Nassr comeback with majestic freekick

Football

The situation escalated as Ronaldo received a caution for expressing dissent towards the referee. Additionally, Talisca's last-minute goal was invalidated, ultimately resulting in the Brazilian player's dismissal due to violent behaviour.

Expressing his dissatisfaction with the officiating, the esteemed former Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus player gestured for the official to be replaced.