Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo reunion confirmed with Al Nassr and Inter Miami set to clash in Riyadh Season Cup

Inter Miami and Al-Nassr are set to face each other in February 2024.

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo reunion confirmed with Al Nassr and Inter Miami set to clash in Riyadh Season Cup

Inter Miami vs Al-Nassr (Via X/@CrewsMat10)

Global superstars Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are set to lock horns ‘one last time’ in their illustrious careers. The much-awaited clash was made possible after Inter Miami received an invitation to participate in a ‘special’ preseason tournament. The Riyadh Cup is set to feature MLS club Inter Miami and Saudi Pro League team Al-Nassr. As the footballing world gets ready to witness the two legends take on each other for seemingly the last time in their careers, let’s take a look at the history between the two.

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have met for a total of 36 times in their careers. While the majority of clashes came during their time in Spain, the duo have also met while at PSG, Juventus and Al-Nassr. The Argentine has the lead with 16 wins, while Ronaldo follows with 11. Additionally, the duo’s previous meeting entailed a 5-4 victory to PSG, but Ronaldo stole the limelight with a brace.

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Quoting the official statement:

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H.E Turki Alalshikh welcome the participation of Inter Miami C.F.

Mr. Jorge Mas, managing owner of Inter Miami approved the participation of his club at the Riyadh Cup.

He also commented on the positive development in the field of sports in Saudi Arabia, while also using the opportunity to praise the development in the entertainment sector in the U.S. Subsequently, the two sides are set to face off in early February 2024.

Lionel Messi’s World Cup-winning jerseys set to be auctioned for over $10 million

Diego Maradona’s 1986 “Hand of God” jersey was auctioned off at Sotheby’s for a world-record sum on Tuesday. As per reports, the Argentina National team captain, Lionel Messi is also following suit, as the 36-year-old’s World Cup-winning jerseys will be auctioned off, announced Sotheby’s. The set includes six different jerseys worn by Messi, ranging from the opener against Saudi Arabia to the final against France.

Lionel Messi's jersey collection which is set to be auctioned
Lionel Messi’s jersey collection which is set to be auctioned (Via X/@ForbesIndia and TransferSector)

Sotheby’s have announced that they value the pieces well over $10 million. If the jerseys do in fact sell for such a high price, it will make them the most valuable piece of sports memorabilia, overtaking fellow Argentine Diego Maradona‘s record. Maradona’s “Hand of God” jersey recently sold for a sum of $9.28 million. Brahm Wachter, head of modern collectibles at Sotheby’s said “It is an honor” for them to host the Lionel Messi jerseys.

The six jerseys consist of the ones worn in the first half of games at various stages of the World Cup. This includes Saudi Arabia, Mexico, Australia, Netherlands, Croatia and the final against France. The fact that the World Cup added the final feather to Lionel Messi’s cap adds more value to the collection.

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