Cristiano Ronaldo Doubtful for Friendly Game Against Lionel Messi's Inter Miami

With less than two weeks to go before the showdown between Al-Nassr FC and Inter Miami CF, the likelihood of yet another Cristiano Ronaldo-Lionel Messi face-off Messi is under question. The Portuguese superstar’s participation in the match is doubtful due to injury.

Ronaldo, as per Al-Riyadiya, has suffered a calf injury and could take up to two weeks for recovery and rehabilitation. This will of course mean a big headache for Luis Castro, the manager of Al-Nassr, putting a question mark on the appearance of Ronaldo.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner is set to miss the club’s next two friendlies against Chinese outfits Shanghai Shenhua and Zheijang Professional FC in January. In addition to that, if the recovery isn’t done in time, then he won’t be featuring in the club’s next match against Inter Miami CF.

The anticipation of the most awaited Messi and Ronaldo showdown reached new heights after the Argentine lifted yet another FIFA Best award for the 2022-23 season beating the young guns Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe.

Ronaldo then took to Instagram with a message that his hunger for more accolades and goals isn’t going anytime soon as he wrote, ‘Back for more’.

A post shared by Cristiano Ronaldo (@cristiano)

Ronaldo had a very dull 2022 as per his lofty standards as he scored only 16 goals and gave 4 assists in 46 appearances. He came back well in 2023 as he finished the year with 54 goals with Al-Nassr FC and Portugal. In addition to that, he also won the Arab Club Champions Cup and helped Portugal qualify for yet another Euros.

Al-Nassr currently sits at the second of the Saudi Pro League with 46 points from 19 matches. The club has also qualified for the AFC Champions League Round of 16 where they will face Al Feiha, another Saudi outfit.

Meanwhile, Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami are yet to start the new season of MLS, which will begin in March. The encounter will ensure a proper warm-up for the clubs before they resume their league and cup campaigns for the season.