Ronaldo and Messi’ clash in Inter Miami vs Al Nassr is not on the schedule, new reports indicate
Fans hoping to see a head‑to‑head duel between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo will have to wait. AIM reported that the two football icons will not meet when Inter Miami hosts Al Nassr in a forthcoming friendly. Ronaldo is not expected to appear in the game because of lingering muscle damage, a decision that Al Nassr is taking to protect the 38‑year‑old forward’s health. Earlier updates noted a calf muscle issue affecting Ronaldo, first reported at the end of January.
Al Nassr has confirmed that Ronaldo will sit out the February 1 match against Inter Miami. The team’s medical staff and management are prioritizing long‑term fitness over a single exhibition appearance, a stance that aligns with prudent player health management for stars at Ronaldo’s level.
Ronaldo’s move to Al Nassr came on January 2, 2023, when the veteran striker joined the Saudi club under a contract reported to be worth €200 million per year, with additional bonuses tied to performance and other incentives for Ronaldo and his family. This agreement marked a new chapter in a career spanning Europe, where Ronaldo has previously excelled with clubs in Portugal, England, Spain, and Italy, and it has since constituted a major anchor in the Saudi Pro League era.
Lionel Messi’s journey led him to Inter Miami during the summer of 2023, after an illustrious period with Paris Saint‑Germain. Messi quickly made an impact in Major League Soccer, with August 20 marking a League Cup triumph—the first major trophy for him in American soccer. In his first season with Inter Miami, Messi registered impressive numbers, tallying goals and assists across multiple appearances. As of now, MLS pauses temporarily as teams prepare for the upcoming season, giving players time to train, recover, and recalibrate ahead of the next campaign.
There have been whispers about Ronaldo potentially lining up with other high‑profile teammates in the future. One notable topic that has circulated involves Karim Benzema possibly joining Ronaldo as a teammate, a scenario that has captured the imagination of fans but remains speculative at this time. The broader conversations around these megastars often reflect the evolving landscape of global football, where marquee signings and cross‑continental moves continue to shape the sport’s narrative.