Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi shared heartwarming messages after crossing paths once again in Paris Saint-Germain’s win over Riyadh All-Star XI.
PSG on Thursday travelled to the King Fahd International Stadium in Saudi Arabia for their hotly anticipated exhibition friendly against Riyadh XI.
Ronaldo, who completed a move to Al Nassr, has been forced to wait on his debut for his new club due to suspension from his spell at Manchester United.
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However, the 37-year-old Portuguese forward was eligible to play for Riyadh XI and made an instant impact on his first start since the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Messi fired PSG into the lead inside the opening five minutes before Ronaldo pulled back an equaliser from his spot-kick effort for Riyadh XI during the thrilling contest.
Marquinhos restored PSG’s advantage only seven minutes after Ronaldo’s equaliser, only for the five-time Ballon d’Or winner to successfully complete his brace ahead of half-time.
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Sergio Ramos fired PSG back into the lead in the second half before Jang Hyun-soo brought Riyadh XI level only three minutes later.
PSG, who were reduced to 10 men in the first half after Juan Bernat’s sending off, strengthened their lead in the friendly thanks to Kylian Mbappe.
Mbappe successfully scored his penalty before Hugo Ekitike added PSG’s fifth, with Talisca pulling one back for Riyadh XI during injury time.
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Despite tasting defeat and being withdrawn in the second half, Ronaldo secured the Man of the Match award after his sensational first-half brace for Riyadh XI.
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Ahead of Riyadh XI vs PSG, much of the focus was placed on the reunion of on-pitch rivals Ronaldo and Messi and them potentially playing their last match against one another.
Ronaldo sent out a heartfelt message on social media after the match by saying it was “nice to see some old friends.”
One of the photos included in Ronaldo’s post was a touching image of him and Messi sharing a hug on the pitch at the King Fahd International Stadium.
“So happy to be back on the pitch, and on the score sheet!! And nice to see some old friends!” Ronaldo tweeted.
It would seem that Messi also enjoyed his reunion with Ronaldo, with the PSG star sharing a video on his Instagram Stories.
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The video in question featured the 35-year-old Argentine forward hugging Al Nassr star Ronaldo ahead of Riyadh XI vs PSG.
Ronaldo is finally expected to make his debut for Al Nassr on Sunday when his side take on Ettifaq at Mrsool Park.
Topics: Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Paris Saint-Germain, Saudi Arabia
Adnan Riaz