Cristiano Ronaldo’s first match in Saudi Arabia didn’t get off to the ideal start as long-term rival Lionel Messi scored inside three minutes. Paris Saint-Germain travelled to the Middle East to face Riyadh XI on Thursday in an exhibition match featuring two of the greatest footballers in history.
Ronaldo has been unable to make his debut for new club Al-Nassr as yet, following a two-match ban he received while still with Manchester United. Huge crowds still flocked to see him in action for a Saudi All-Star XI on Thursday, however, with Messi’s PSG the opposition.
A number of Ronaldo’s team-mates from Al-Nassr were joined by the hottest talent from Al-Hilal, with the Portuguese confirmed as captain against his Argentine rival. It was Messi who landed the first blow as Neymar found him with a deft ball over the top, before the reigning World Cup winner finished neatly under the goalkeeper.
Ronaldo was all smiles before kick-off as he briefly caught up with former Real Madrid team-mate and current PSG star Sergio Ramos, but the smile was promptly wiped off his face at the sight of seeing Messi on the scoresheet as he trudged back to the halfway line while rallying those around him.
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“I feel so proud to make this big decision in my life,” Ronaldo explained earlier this month. “In Europe, my work is done. I won everything and now this is a new challenge. I’m grateful Al-Nassr have given me this opportunity, not only for the football but for the young generation and the female generation.
“For me, this is a challenge but I feel very happy and very proud. I had many opportunities in Europe, in Brazil, in Australia, in the US and even in Portugal many clubs tried to sign me, but I gave my word to this club. This is a good chance to grow many important points here with my knowledge and my experience.”
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