A news that broke the internet earlier today was the possible extended episode in the Ronaldo vs. Messi rivalry, when it was reported that the 2022 FIFA World Cup-winning captain’s club at Inter Miami CF will be joining in the Riyadh Season Cup, where Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr are featured as well. Nevertheless, soon after the rumours were out, Inter Miami CF released an official statement to deny their participation in the tournament next February, saying that there was no agreement signed for the Major League Soccer side in the said competition. In other words, the Ronaldo vs. Messi rivalry is likely not be renewed in the near future.
A Possible Next Meeting for Ronaldo vs. Messi?
Based on the sources, it was initially thought that both Al-Nassr and Inter Miami CF will be joining in a three-team tournament in the Riyard Season Cup scheduled in February 2024, with another Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal being the third side; The Riyadh Season, an entertainment and sports festival held annually, is part of 11 entertainment festival that was launched and carried by Saudi Seasons since 2019. The 2022 Riyadh Season Cup of course featured an all-star Riyadh XI (Stars from Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal) led by Ronaldo and Messi’s former club Paris Saint-Germain, where the latter won with a score line of 5-4.
Just when everyone thought there is a dream of getting another twist in the Ronaldo vs. Messi rivalry, it soon vanished with Inter Miami’s official statement.
Also Read: How Did Uruguay Handle Lionel Messi’s Argentina Their First Loss Since the 2022 FIFA World Cup?
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Inter Miami CF’s Official Statement Regarding the Possible Ronaldo vs. Messi Game
Speaking on the possible next meeting between Ronaldo vs. Messi, Inter Miami CF released an official announcement to deny the chances of it happening: “Earlier today, an announcement was issued stating that Inter Miami CF is scheduled to play in the Riyadh Season Cup. This is inaccurate. The release included statements attributed to team owner Jorge Mas. Mas has made no comments, publicly or privately, in relation to the preseason tour. Since day one, Inter Miami CF has set out to be a global brand.”
The MLS outfit ended their statement on the now-cancelled Ronaldo vs. Messi meeting by saying “To this end, we have been in conversations to determine our 2024 preseason schedule. We look forward to showing our players on Inter Miami CF’s first international tour which will be announced in the coming weeks”.
Inter Miami captain Messi reiterated his commitments to the American side by not joining boyhood club Barcelona or the Saudi Pro League during the club’s offseason period, and that he will continue to perform the best for his club and country in the near future. Click here for the full story of the 36-year-old.
Messi’s La Albiceleste Gave Brazil Their First Loss at Home in the World Cup Qualifiers
The possible next meeting between Ronaldo vs. Messi is not coming anytime soon, with the Portugal national team captain now back to his club at Al-Nassr after Os Navegadores’ perfect 2024 UEFA Euro Qualifiers, whereas La Pulga led his Argentina side to beat Brazil in a tension-filled match last night.
For the five-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo, he led his country to win all ten matches in Group J of the 2024 UEFA Euro Qualifiers, scoring a total of 36 goals and conceding only twice as a result. As for Messi, his La Albiceleste managed to beat Seleção Canarinha 1-0 in a match that was dominated by violence between fans and police at Maracanã.
A 63rd-minute winning goal by 35-year-old centre-back Nicolás Otamendi not only allowed the 2022 FIFA World Cup champions to bounce back from their 2-0 defeat to Uruguay in the previous Matchday, but the 1-0 victory also handled Brazil their first ever loss at home in the World Cup Qualifiers. After their third loss in four matches against arch-rivals Argentina, the five-time world champions are currently sixth in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers CONMEBOL with only two wins in six games, and fears have been raised on whether they will miss the quadrennial tournament for the first time.
In Other News: Nicolás Otamendi’s 1-0 Winner Hands Brazil First Home Loss in 64 World Cup Qualifying Matches
