Saudi Pro League Champions, Al-Hilal have added yet another feather to their cap by becoming the first Saudi Arabian team to reach the FIFA Club World Cup final. They did so by defeating Brazillian club Flamengo in a 3-2 upset that has shocked fans across the world.
Saudi club Al-Hilal was recently reported to have been trying to lure Lionel Messi to the club and were preparing an offer that would make the Argentine the highest-earning player in the world with a contract of $300 million per year.
These rumors came after Cristiano Ronaldo joined Al-Hilal’s city rivals, Al-Nassr, in a transfer move that shocked the whole soccer world. Cristiano had previously terminated his contract with Manchester United following a tell-all interview with Piers Morgan.
Al-Hilal FC are getting ready to send a huge financial offer to Leo Messi.
— @JoanFontes pic.twitter.com/rCRpHNyCuZ
— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) February 1, 2023
It was also reported that the Saudi government will be supporting Al-Hilal to sign Lionel Messi as the Saudi state wants to promote soccer in the country and recently also hosted PSG in an exhibition match in Riyadh in which superstars like Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar Jr. and Kylian Mbappe featured.
A move to Saudi Arabia won’t be counted out by Messi fans as the Argentine is yet to sign a contract extension with PSG as the talks have had a significant delay now. Al-Hilal’s exploits in the Club World Cup on the other hand would have turned the heads of Messi fans who would want their star to join the Saudi league and play against Cristiano Ronaldo as both are heading toward the end of their careers.
Al-Hilal becomes the first Saudi Arabian team to qualify for the Club World Cup Final
Al-Hilal reached the Club World Cup final after a gritty display in the semifinal against Copa Libertadores champions Flamengo. Saudi Arabian sensation Salem Aldawsari opened the scoring for Al-Hilal through a penalty in the 4th minute of the game. Aldawsari is known for his stunning goal against Argentina in Saudi Arabia’s historic win in the World Cup.
Flamengo was quick with the reply as Brazillian striker Pedro scored the equalizer in the 20th minute and Gerson put the Brazillian side in the lead at the stroke of halftime. But the Saudi club responded within a minute as Aldawsari scored another penalty and the teams went 2-2 into halftime.
Al Hilal celebrate making history: Asian champs defeat South American champs Flamengo to book spot in Fifa Club World Cup final.
First Saudi Arabian team to contest #ClubWC final – superb achievement. Real Madrid or Al Ahly await. #AlHilal pic.twitter.com/WJ0KZNBUdr
— John McAuley (@_JMcAuley) February 8, 2023
There wasn’t much to separate the two sides as both were going head to head against each other but it was former Atletico Madrid midfielder, Luciano Vietto who put the Saudi champions ahead in the 70th minute in a goal that proved to be the match-winner.
Al-Hilal now waits for the result of the second semi-final between European Champions Real Madrid and Egyptian club Al-Ahly. Al-Hilal will be riding high after creating history to become the first Saudi Arabian team to reach the Club World Cup finals and would be confident going into the final of the mega event.
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