In an exhilarating development for football fans worldwide, early 2024 is set to host a clash of titans as Lionel Messi's Inter Miami prepares to face Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia. This anticipated match-up forms part of Inter Miami's preseason activities, designed to gear up for the 2024 MLS campaign. The team is scheduled to compete in the Riyadh Season Cup, where they'll confront not only Ronaldo's Al Nassr but also Al Hilal, another Saudi Pro League heavyweight.
Inter Miami's encounter with Al Hilal is slated for January 29th at the Kingdom Arena, presenting a challenging roster including Ruben Neves, Alexsandar Mitrovic, and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic. Although Neymar, Messi's ex-Barcelona teammate now with Al Hilal, is sidelined due to injury, the match promises to be a high-caliber event. Following this, Inter Miami will take on Al Nassr on February 1st, where Messi will once again face Ronaldo, alongside Al Nassr stars like Sadio Mane and Aymeric Laporte.
Messi and Ronaldo's rivalry, stretching back over 15 years and 35 face-offs, has primarily been witnessed during their stints with La Liga's Barcelona and Real Madrid. They have previously shared the field in Saudi Arabia during the last Riyadh Season Cup, where Messi's then-club PSG defeated a Saudi All-Star XI featuring Al Hilal and Al Nassr players, with both Messi and Ronaldo scoring.
Inter Miami's international preseason trip marks a significant step for the relatively young club, founded just five years ago. The inclusion of Messi in their lineup has elevated the team's profile, aligning with broader goals to expand the club's reach and enhance football's footprint in North America. The presence of football legends like Messi and Ronaldo in the U.S. and Saudi leagues is also strategically important ahead of the FIFA World Cup, which the U.S. (alongside Canada and Mexico) will host in 2026, and Saudi Arabia potentially in 2034.
Xavier Asensi, Inter Miami's Chief Business Officer, highlighted the tour's significance, noting it as "another major opportunity to create lasting relationships with passionate fans." Chris Henderson, the Sporting Director and Chief Soccer Officer, emphasized the games' value in honing the team's readiness for the upcoming season.
Apart from the Riyadh Season Cup, Inter Miami's preseason includes matches in El Salvador against the national team and in Hong Kong against a team comprising the best players from the Hong Kong First Division League. These games are pivotal in prepping the team for the MLS season starting in February 2024, which will be Messi's first full season in the league following his mid-season transfer in 2023.
While Inter Miami looks to build on its inaugural trophy win in the 2023 Leagues Cup, the Riyadh Season Cup aligns with Saudi Arabia's ambition to establish itself as a significant player in the global sports arena. Ronaldo's transfer to Al Nassr in early 2023 marked the beginning of a wave of football talent moving to the Saudi Pro League, further enhancing the region's sports profile.
