Posted by The Portugal international has emerged as a concern ahead of the game between Al-Nassr and Inter Miami.
Few rivalries in sport have been as compelling as that between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, so it was little surprise when Inter Miami were booked to play Al-Nassr this February that football fans across the world were relishing the prospect of one last dance between the pair.
However, an injury sustained by Ronaldo – which resulted in the club postponing a tour of China – has thrown the iconic showdown into doubt, with Al-Nassr head coach Luis Castro and supporters hoping for a speedy recovery.
Ahead of the game, GOAL brings you everything you need to know about Ronaldo’s injury and whether he will be fit to face his eternal rival in Riyadh.
When do Al-Nassr play Inter Miami in the Riyadh Season Cup?
Game: Al-Nassr vs Inter Miami
Date: February 1, 2024
Kick-off: 1:30 pm ET / 6:30 pm GMT
Venue: Kingdom Arena, Riyadh
The game between Al-Nassr and Inter Miami is scheduled for February 1, 2024. It is set to be played at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, with a 6:30 pm GMT (1:30 pm ET) kick-off time.
Will Cristiano Ronaldo play vs Lionel Messi & Inter Miami?
It is likely that Al-Nassr will give Ronaldo every chance to prove his fitness to play in the friendly game against Inter Miami. However, we will not know for certain what his availability is until closer to the day of the game.
The extent of Ronaldo’s injury is not clear, but, given that he has not been definitively ruled out, it seems that it is relatively minor. Initial reports suggested that he would need two weeks to recover fully and that timeframe means he will be fit to play on February 1.
Indeed, footage shared by Al-Nassr online shows that he has been training in the gym ahead of the game.
What injury does Cristiano Ronaldo have?
Ronaldo suffered a muscle injury on his left calf in mid-January. While the 38-year-old’s mobility has not been affected (as can be seen in a video posted by the club on social media), Al-Nassr and the player himself are keen not to.
The Portugal international has emerged as a concern ahead of the game between Al-Nassr and Inter Miami.
Few rivalries in sport have been as compelling as that between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, so it was little surprise when Inter Miami were booked to play Al-Nassr this February that football fans across the world were relishing the prospect of one last dance between the pair.
However, an injury sustained by Ronaldo – which resulted in the club postponing a tour of China – has thrown the iconic showdown into doubt, with Al-Nassr head coach Luis Castro and supporters hoping for a speedy recovery.
Ahead of the game, GOAL brings you everything you need to know about Ronaldo’s injury and whether he will be fit to face his eternal rival in Riyadh.
When did Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi last play against each other?
Ronaldo and Messi last faced off against each other on January 19, 2023 when Paris Saint-Germain defeated a Saudi All-Star team 5-4.
Both players scored in the game, with Messi striking first for PSG, before Ronaldo chipped into the Saudi cause with two goals.
They used to face off at least twice every season when they were both in La Liga with Real Madrid and Barcelona, but the number of showdowns have diminished since Ronaldo left for Juventus in 2018