In a fiery showdown during the Riyadh Season Cup 2024 fixture between Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr, Cristiano Ronaldo found himself at the center of attention as Al-Hilal supporters taunted the football icon with chants of “Messi… Messi…” The incident, which unfolded at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh on Thursday, February 8, captured the attention of football fans worldwide.
Ronaldo, renowned for his illustrious career and occasional controversies, could not contain his frustration as the chants echoed throughout the stadium. The Portuguese forward’s reaction only fueled speculation about his rivalry with Lionel Messi, adding another chapter to their storied history on and off the pitch.
Messi Chants by Al-Hilal Roars at the stadium
The rivalry between Ronaldo and Messi took an unexpected turn when Al-Hilal, a club known for its admiration of Messi, reportedly made a lucrative offer to the Argentine superstar following his triumph at the FIFA World Cup 2022. Despite the tempting 1.5 billion euros per annum deal, Messi opted to prioritize family commitments over the opportunity, leaving football enthusiasts in awe.
In a surprising twist, Ronaldo’s recent move to Major League Soccer side Inter Miami raised eyebrows across the globe, diverting attention from his traditional ties with FC Barcelona. His reaction to the “Messi chants” during the Al-Hilal vs Al-Nassr match only served to reignite debates about his legacy and the ongoing rivalry with Messi.
As the match unfolded, Al-Hilal demonstrated their dominance over Al-Nassr, showcasing their prowess on the field. Goals from midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic in the 17th minute and Salem Al-Dawsari in the 30th minute secured a comfortable 2-0 victory for Al-Hilal, further overshadowing Ronaldo’s frustrations and adding to Al-Nassr’s woes.
The clash between these Saudi Pro League giants not only highlighted the intense competition on the pitch but also reignited the age-old debate surrounding Ronaldo and Messi, captivating football enthusiasts worldwide.