The Riyadh Season Cup match between Al Nassr vs Inter Miami, which was dubbed 'The Last Dance' for Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, has now lost its essence after both players could miss the game later tonight.
Messi might not play as he was not on the team's starting XI. As per multiple media reports, the Argentine felt discomfort after the first match against Al Hilal and had an MRI for an unknown injury. He is being kept out as a precautionary measure.
Earlier, Cristiano Ronaldo also had to withdraw after dealing with a calf injury. He is not yet ready to return to action for the Saudi Pro League side, as confirmed by his manager Luis Castro.
"We won't witness [Messi vs Ronaldo]. Ronaldo is in the final stages of his recovery to rejoin the group. We hope that in the next few days, he can start training with the team. He will be unavailable for the game," he stated.
Al Nassr have confirmed their starting XI with Ronaldo not even on the bench.
Last week, Ronaldo's injury led to the cancellation of Al-Nassr's two-game tour of China. They were scheduled to play against Shanghai Shenhua and Zheijang.
“As you know, in football some things you cannot control. I have played 22 years in football and I am a player that doesn’t have too many injuries. So I’m really sad because Al-Nassr and myself have come to China to enjoy the tour. I have been coming to China since 2003/2004, so I feel at home here – my second home," Ronaldo said while apologising to the fans.
Remember, Inter Miami suffered a 4-3 defeat against Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal during their first club-friendly game in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday.
Messi and Suarez’s former Barcelona strike duo netted two goals against the Saudi team but still lost 4-3.