Inter Miami Denies Messi vs Ronaldo Showdown in Riyadh Season Cup

Inter Miami has dismissed claims of their involvement in the Riyadh Season Cup 2024, countering reports that had hinted at a potential face-off between Lionel Messi's team and Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr.

Denial and Clarification by Inter Miami

Inter Miami statement on rumored friendly vs. Al-Nassr, calling the news “inaccurate”:

“Earlier today, an announcement was issued stating that Inter Miami CF is scheduled to play in the Riyadh Season Cup. This is inaccurate.” pic.twitter.com/DoRsm2kp30

— Tom Bogert (@tombogert) November 21, 2023

The club labeled Tuesday's announcement regarding their participation in Riyadh Season Cup 2024 as "inaccurate." They emphasized that team owner Jorge Mas had not made any comments, publicly or privately, regarding a preseason tour.

Previous Promotions and Expectations

The Last Dance
مباراة تاريخية تجمع أساطير كرة القدم رونالدو و ميسي

نادي انتر ميامي يلعب ضد نادي النصر في بطولة كأس موسم الرياض… ⚽❤️🇸🇦

في المملكة ارينا 📌 Feb 2024

It's the last dance of football greatness! 🏆
Ronaldo vs Messi clash on the pitch.

Watch Inter Miami FC… pic.twitter.com/3aHtVGtFQI

— TURKI ALALSHIKH (@Turki_alalshikh) November 21, 2023

Earlier on the same day, the Inter Miami versus Al-Nassr match was heavily promoted as a marquee event within the Riyadh Season Cup 2024, dubbed "The Last Dance" between Messi and Ronaldo.

Historical Context and Rivalry

The anticipation for a face-off between Messi and Ronaldo had been fueled by their recent clash in January, where Paris Saint-Germain emerged victorious against a Riyadh All-Stars XI squad in Saudi Arabia with a score of 5-4.

Uncertainty Surrounding Future Encounters

Speculation arose that this encounter might mark the final time Messi and Ronaldo shared a pitch, given their late-career stints on different continents. Inter Miami's stance indicates this might indeed be the case.

Legacy of Messi and Ronaldo

For over a decade, Messi and Ronaldo dominated the world of football, with Ronaldo claiming the first of his five Ballon d'Or awards in 2008. The duo secured 12 out of 14 Ballon d'Or titles in subsequent years, engaging fans in endless debates over their greatness.