Lionel Messi makes feelings clear on Cristiano Ronaldo encounter in Saudi Arabia

11 January 2024 , 13:16

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Messi and Ronaldo will play each other next month (Image: Getty)

Inter Miami star and Argentine World Cup-winning captain Lionel Messi says he "can't wait" to face longtime rival Cristiano Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia next month.

The MLS outfit will head to the Middle East as part of their pre-season ahead of the 2024 campaign, which starts on Feb. 21 against Real Salt Lake at the DRV PNK Stadium.

Inter Miami and Ronaldo's Al-Nassr will welcome Messi and Co. to the Kingdom Arena on Feb. 1 and the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, and world champion, can't wait to reunite with his old foe.

"I can’t wait to be part of #RiyadhSeasonCup with my team Inter Miami CF as we face top Saudi clubs in a historic championship," Messi said on Instagram.

Messi and Ronaldo did battle across the Portugal captain's spells at Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, and Al-Nassr. But before taking on Ronaldo and Al-Nassr, Inter Miami will first play Al-Hilal two days before. However, it won't see a reunion for Messi and his former Barcelona and PSG teammate Neymar, who suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and meniscus in his left knee last year.

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Inter Miami will also head to the Middle East with a few new faces - the legendary Luis Suarez being one of them. Suarez became the fourth Barca legend to join the MLS outfit in the last year, following Messi, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba.

“I’m very happy and excited to take on this new challenge with Inter Miami. I can’t wait to get started, and I’m ready to work to make the dream of winning more titles with this great Club a reality. I’m optimistic about what we can achieve together with our shared ambition,” said Suárez.

Ronaldo and Messi have faced each other many times across their rivalry, regularly going head-to-head in Spain (Getty)

"I will give my all to bring joy to these great fans I’ve heard so much about while I wear Inter Miami colors, and look forward to reuniting with great friends and players. I’m also eager to meet my new teammates and coaches."

Co-owner David Beckham added: "We are delighted to have a player of Luis’ quality and passion for the game join our Club. He joins a squad that is inspiring the next generation and we look forward to seeing him take to the field with both former teammates and young players from our Academy."

Barca flop Philippe Coutinho could also be making a switch to the Sunshine State-based franchise, according to AS. The 31-year-old, who played alongside all four at the Camp Nou, is on loan at Qatari Club Al-Duhail from Aston Villa but could move on again in the winter transfer window. The Spanish outlet also reports that the 68-time international is attracting interest from LA Galaxy.

Joshua Mbu