PSG’s friendly match against the Riyadh Season Team brought football fans back in time as they got to witness another Messi vs. Ronaldo show.
The Messi vs. Ronaldo debate has long gone on, but it has rarely gotten old. Now, after more than a month since Messi’s World Cup victory that supposedly ended the debate, their rivalry is still one that fans can’t stop talking about.
And against all odds, with Ronaldo’s move to the Saudi Pro League, fans got to see the two facing off yet again.
Last night, the legendary players competed in an exhibition match between Ronaldo’s Riyadh Season Team and Messi’s Paris Saint-Germain. And though the match may not have been El ClĆ”sico, both teams certainly put on a thrilling show.
The rivalry brought to Saudi Arabia
Straight into the game, Messi opened the scoring. Later on, Marquinhos made it 2-0 for PSG.
However, as it was Ronaldo’s first match in Saudi Arabia, he was hungry to get back in form. Before the halftime whistle, the Portuguese star netted two goals to level the game, 2-2.
In the second half of the match, Sergio Ramos converted a cross from Kylian Mbappe to bring PSG into the lead. But again, the Saudi Arabian side matched the European club with a goal by Jang Hyun-soo.
Finally, PSG managed to pull away after Mbappe scored a penalty and Hugo Ekitike further extended the lead to 5-3.
Anderson Talisca scored again for the Saudis in extra time. But, they were no longer able to catch up, ending the match, 5-4 in the visitors’ favor.
Despite the loss to his longtime rival, Ronaldo looked refreshed playing for Riyadh.
After the match, he posted on his social media accounts saying, “So happy to be back on the pitch, and on the score sheet!! And nice to see some old friends!”
Indeed, it was amazing for fans to see Ronaldo back in scoring form, and what’s more, against World Cup winner Lionel Messi.
On top of this, a nine-goal match featuring two of the best players in the sport was an incredible opportunity for Saudi Arabia to showcase their players, their teams, and their league.
Banner image from Cristiano Ronaldo on Twitter.
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