SUMMARY
- Messi's Inter Miami will play against CR7's Al-Nassr on 1 Feb 2024.
- Lionel Messi's doubtful fitness worries both club authorities and the Riyadh Cup Season Cup 2024 organisers.
A Cristiano Ronaldo-Lionel Messi match is amongst the biggest games in the soccer world. Both legends are the indomitable forces in soccer and have dominated the sport for a long time. The duo locked horns during their La Liga days when Real Madrid and FC Barcelona met during the El Clasicos. However the the two legends rarely play each other nowadays since their career have panned out differently.
(🌕) Leo Messi has discomfort in the hamstring. His presence in Inter Miami vs Al-Nassr is uncertain. He’s not ruled out. If he plays, it’s due to contractual commitment. The decision is still being made. @leoparadizo 🚨🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/gGBuBBGQe6
— All About Argentina 🛎🇦🇷 (@AlbicelesteTalk) February 1, 2024
The Riyadh Season Cup 2024 presented its very opportunity. Messi’s Inter Miami is set to face CR7’s Al-Nassr on 1 February 2024. However, both the legends have been ruled out for the huge fans and this has upset the fans.
Lionel Messi forced to play due to contractual obligations
In a shocking turn of events, the Argentine is reportedly a doubt for the match. The Argentine isn’t physically fit enough and this has worried the club authorities. The Riyadh Cup Season Cup 2024 organisers too wouldn’t want to miss out on the FIFA World Cup 2022 winner. However, this could prove detrimental for Lionel Messi as he might be forced to play against his wishes.
Reportedly, Lionel Messi might have pulled his hamstring and therefore might not play the match. Inter Miami, too wouldn’t wanna risk their talisman as they have an important MLS season coming up. However, sources have confirmed that Leo might still end up playing the game against Al-Nassr due to contractual obligations.
(🌕) JUST IN: Lionel Messi will not play against Al-Nassr. He felt discomfort after first match, had MRI and is being held out as precaution. He is expected to return at some point during this tour. @kaufsports 🚨🚑 pic.twitter.com/uUY8wszVdo
— All About Argentina 🛎🇦🇷 (@AlbicelesteTalk) February 1, 2024
However, just minutes before the kickoff, news from Riyadh revealed that Lionel Messi had decided not to go ahead with his injury. The MRI scans from the game against Al-Hilal have informed the Argentine of the sad news.
Cristiano Ronaldo had earlier pulled out of the important game
On the other hand, the 2nd attraction of the game is surely out of the all-important match. The Al-Nassr coach Luis Castro provided insights on the fitness of Cristiano Ronaldo on Wednesday, 24th February 2023. The Portuguese has been dealing with issues related to fitness lately and had been a doubt for the Riyadh Season Cup 2024. Cristiano Ronaldo also had to pull out of his club’s official tour to China.
🚨 Cristiano Ronaldo will miss tomorrow’s game against Leo Messi and Inter Miami through injury.
Heartbreak for the last dance. 💔 pic.twitter.com/mlnNtO4ogn
— Football Tweet ⚽ (@Football__Tweet) January 31, 2024
It has now been also confirmed that the Portuguese are out for their battle against his arch-rival, Lionel Messi. Luis Castro, his coach at Al-Nassr confirmed the news by saying (The Independent), “We will not see [Messi vs Ronaldo].” The Portuguese coach also confirmed that Cristiano is in the final part of his recovery. The club is hoping for his return to full training at the earliest.
