Cristiano Ronaldo vs Lionel Messi date set as PSG to play friendly in Saudi Arabia

Cristiano Ronaldo joined Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr in a sensational transfer on a 2-1/2 year contract recently, estimated to be worth more 200 million euros. The 37-year-old saw his contract with Manchester United get terminated due to a controversial interview with broadcaster Piers Morgan, where he criticised the club’s hierarchy and manager Erik ten Hag.

The transfer marked a sad end to Ronaldo’s journey in Europe, where failed to sign for a UEFA Champions League club. It also marked a possible end to any Champions League clashes between Ronaldo and his arch-rival Lionel Messi, who is currently with PSG. But it looks like the 2022 World Cup winner will be facing Ronaldo, whose Portugal side faced a quarter-final exit in Qatar. As part of a mid-season tour, PSG will be facing Saudi all-star XI made up of players from Al-Hilal and Al Nassr on January 19.

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Back in Paris, Messi will be gunning for glory in the Champions League, something which PSG have set as their main objective. All eyes will be on the Argentina captain, and the partnership he forms with Neymar and Frenchman Kylian Mbappe. PSG are currently on top of LIgue 1 with 44 points in 17 matches, including 14 wins, two draws and two defeats.

Meanwhile, Ronaldo is yet to make his debut for Al Nassr and also faces a ban for smashing a Everton fan’s phone last year. During his bombshell interview with Morgan, Ronaldo revealed that he didn’t have any respect for Ten Hag and also stated that the club tried to push him away. “Manchester United tried to force me out. Not only the manager, but the other two or three guys who are around the club [at the senior executive level]. I felt betrayed. I don’t care, people should listen to the truth. Yes, I felt betrayed. I feel that some people didn’t want me here, not only this year but last season too”, he said.