Inter Miami Set for Riyadh Season Cup Challenge Against Al-Hilal SFC and Al Nassr FC
Lionel Messi is poised to renew his rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo as Inter Miami faces Al-Hilal SFC and Al Nassr FC in the Riyadh Season Cup in Saudi Arabia. The Major League Soccer team will engage in two friendlies at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, challenging Al-Hilal on January 29 and clashing with Al Nassr three days later.
This presents a significant opportunity to forge enduring connections with passionate fans. Xavier Asensi, Chief Business Officer of Inter Miami CF, expressed enthusiasm about engaging with new supporters in Saudi Arabia and anticipates a global audience for these highly anticipated matchups.
Chris Henderson, Chief Soccer Officer and Sporting Director, emphasized the importance of these matches as vital tests for Inter Miami, contributing to their preparation for the upcoming season. The announcement follows a recent denial of the team’s participation in the Riyadh Season Cup, underscoring the fluidity of plans.
These two friendlies are integral to Inter Miami’s international pre-season tour, encompassing visits to El Salvador, Saudi Arabia, and Hong Kong. The encounters with Al-Hilal and Al Nassr serve as strategic milestones for the team.
The impending face-off between Messi and Ronaldo is a noteworthy reunion since their clash in January 2023 when Paris Saint-Germain emerged victorious over Ronaldo’s side with a 5-4 scoreline. Their historical rivalry, spanning 36 encounters between club and country, sees Messi with 16 victories, nine draws, and 10 losses, asserting his statistical edge over the Portuguese icon.
