On Tuesday morning, Inter Miami Sporting Director Chris Henderson revealed the club’s preseason plans for 2024, including a potential friendly against Messi’s childhood team, Newell’s Old Boys. The official details have now been announced, confirming a final showdown between Messi and Ronaldo as part of the Herons’ preseason. Al-Nassr will host Inter Miami and Al-Hilal, featuring Neymar, in the Riyadh Season Cup starting the first week of February.
This upcoming clash marks the 37th meeting between Messi and Ronaldo, dubbed ‘The Last Dance.’ With 36 encounters in their storied careers since 2008, Messi currently leads with 16 wins to Ronaldo’s 11.
H.E Turki Alalshikh welcomed Inter Miami CF’s participation, emphasizing the global interest generated by the tournament with such renowned international football stars. He highlighted the tournament as an extension of Riyadh Season’s major international events. Jorge Mas, in turn, appreciated Inter Miami CF’s involvement, acknowledging the remarkable developments in Saudi Arabian football and the entertainment sector.
Messi is scheduled to face Brazil in CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying before returning to Miami for the MLS offseason. Ronaldo, having completed two matches with Portugal during the international break, is back in Saudi Arabia as Al-Nassr gears up to play Al-Akhdoud on Friday afternoon.