Cristiano Ronaldo vs Lionel Messi, one of the most epic rivalries in football, might have come to an end. The two stars locked horns in the Riyadh Season Cup on Thursday, PSG beating the All-Star 11 5-4 at the King Fahd International Stadium.
With Ronaldo, 37, moving to Saudi Arabia and Messi, 35, continuing at PSG, the two might never play against each other at professional level. Both of them scored in the club friendly on Thursday.
Messi opened the scoring for PSG, giving his side the lead under three minutes and Ronaldo, who was making his debut in Saudi Arabia, nailed a penalty before making it two before half-time. The two were subbed in the second-half.
Also read: Messi, Ronaldo, Mbappe, Neymar taken off in PSG vs Riyadh 11, pictures go viral
Messi’s Qatari-backed PSG won 5-4 against a combined XI of Saudi Arabian teams Al Nassr and Al Hilal, captained by Al Nassr’s new signing Ronaldo, in front of 68,000 fan. Although his team lost, the former Manchester United star edged perhaps the final instalment of Ronaldo vs. Messi as one of the greatest rivalries in soccer history resumed in an unusual location.
Messi’s shot led to a handball and PSG’s fourth goal, scored by Mbappé from the penalty spot.
Ronaldo came off to a huge ovation just after the hour mark followed by Mbappé and Argentina’s World Cup-winning star Messi, who was warmly hugged by countryman Marcelo Gallardo, coaching the combined Saudi Arabian team. CR7 was named the player of the match.
The famous GOAT debate came up again after Leo Messi guided Argentina to World Cup glory last year. He also became one of six men to play in six editions. Ronaldo is also a part of the list.
Also read: Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo share stare after Juan Bernat red card in PSG vs Riyadh 11: Watch
Messi made his 26th World Cup appearance in the Qatar 2022 final, breaking Lothar Matthaus’s record. The Argentine is the only player to have an assist in five World Cups. He equaled Pele’s record for most assists in the knockout phase – 6.
Leo Messi is Argentina’s leading goal-scorer in World Cups.
Ronaldo’s Portugal were knocked out of the Qatar World Cup after a 0-1 loss vs Morocco in the quarterfinal. The 37-year-old has won all possible title except the one.
