10 March 2023 , 14:37
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Cristiano Ronaldo appeared to react furiously after fans chanted Lionel Messi's name during Al-Nassr's 1-0 defeat against Al-Ittihad.
The 38-year-old cut a frustrated figure as his Al-Nassr side were beaten in the top-of-the-table clash at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium. Romarinho's second-half effort separated the two teams as Nuno Espirito Santo's men leapfrogged their opponents to move one point clear at the top of the Saudi Pro League.
After the game, a dejected Ronaldo could be seen shaking his head and ignoring his teammates' attempts to calm him down. The former Manchester United forward applauded the travelling Al-Nassr supporters before storming down the tunnel, ripping his captain's armband off and lobbing a bottle at the floor.
Now, in fresh footage on social media, Al-Ittihad supporters could be heard chanting "Messi, Messi, Messi" in an attempt to wind Ronaldo up - and show their support for the Paris Saint-Germain star. This occurred multiple times during the game and also after the full-time whistle, both inside and outside the ground.
Ronaldo responded to one set of Messi chants by cupping his hands as if he was not interested in the remarks, before then shrugging his shoulders in disgust. It was clear to see that Al-Ittihad fans are massive supporters of Messi, rather than Ronaldo.
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One fan said on Twitter: "Even in Saudi Arabia, Ronaldo can’t escape Messi’s shadow." Another added: "At this point i feel sorry for Ronaldo."
Cristiano Ronaldo was furious with his side's performance (TikTok)A third said: "Another hall of shame performance for Cristiano Ronaldo for my Al Nassr. Aboubakar and Talisca were sidelined for this $200million man. MAJOR mistake. And now we aren't first! Get him out of my club." A fourth claimed: "I don’t even love Ronaldo but i don’t know why they all have to chant Messi. Messi has never prayed on this guys downfall."
Al-Ittihad, meanwhile, rubbed salt in Ronaldo's wounds by tweeting a clip of Ronaldo getting tackled, captioning the post: "Where is Ronaldo?"
It was not the greatest performance from the five-time Ballon d'Or winner, who flattered to deceive and did not impress. In fact, Ronaldo had just one shot on target during the entire 90 minutes as Al-Nassr struggled to create anything of note.
A dejected Cristiano Ronaldo in action against Al-IttihadRonaldo, however, took to social media to apologise for his side's showing and defeat. "Disappointed with the result, but we stay focused on our season and the games ahead," Ronaldo wrote on his Twitter account, alongside a flexing arm emoji.
"Thank you Al Nassr fans for your support, we know we can count on you!" He added, alongside yellow and blue hearts.
Al-Nassr are next in action when they face Abha in the King Cup of Champions as Ronaldo attempts to return to the scoresheet after going two games without a goal. Their next league match is on Saturday, March 18, where they will once again take on Abha.