After Lionel Messi joining Inter Miami FC and Cristiano Ronaldo joining Al-Nassr FC, it certainly seemed like the fans would never be able to see the historic rivalry between the 8-times Ballon d’Or winner and 5-times Ballon d’Or winner play out again. But the Inter Miami and the Al-Nassr team management had different plans.
Al-Nassr FC was supposed to play Inter Miami in Riyadh Cup on 1st of February 2024 after coming back from China tour. But the recent Ronaldo injury forced the Saudi Club to postpone the China tour matches to an undetermined date. This suggests just a slight hint of affecting the re-union that the fans have been eagerly waiting for since the announcement.
Cristiano Ronaldo injury update
Sources have confirmed that the former Real Madrid player, who recently won the Globe Soccer Awards, has suffered a muscle knock and has been nursing through it from quite some time. Due to this reason, Al-Nassr FC doesn’t want to take any risks with the star striker as any bigger injury can be really disappointing for the Saudi Club because the 38-year old is irreplaceable after scoring 54 goals in the year 2023 being the top-most scorer around the whole world.
Both the Saudi Club and its talisman, Ronaldo, are devastated by the fact that they could not play in China in front of the fans this time and are already promising a return, stating that the stoppage is a postponement rather than a cancellation. The five-time Champions League winner also gave an interview and expressed his honest thoughts and feelings on the matter.
Cristiano Ronaldoâs injury likely to affect Al Nassr vs Inter Miami clash
Even though it is sad to see the star striker get injured, it could be even more disappointing if the muscle injury forces the Portuguese star to sit out of the match against Messi’s Inter Miami, who are not performing that well in the pre-season but have seen their 2024 season tickets already sell out despite high prices. Sources have reported that the injury might create problems for the already planned and much anticipated reunion between the world’s most loved stars.
Ronaldo and Messi have faced each other 36 times in all competitions in their careers, in which Messi has 16 wins, Ronaldo has won 11 times and the remaining were draws. The Argentinian had scored 22 goals and provided 12 assists in these encounters, while Ronaldo had scored 21 goals as well but was able to provide only 1 assist for his team.
It is totally clear to everyone that the rivalry between the GOATS of the century in world football has always been a spicy encounter but it does seem likely that the 37th meeting between the two might be hampered due to the recent muscle injury that the Portuguese have suffered.
It would certainly be disheartening for all fans around the world and many are already praying that it doesn’t turn out that way. Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
