Major League Soccer (MLS) powerhouse Inter Miami, led by football icon Lionel Messi, is set to participate in the Riyadh Season Cup, a high-profile three-team round-robin tournament in Saudi Arabia early next year. The tournament will feature two headline clashes, including a much-anticipated face-off against Cristiano Ronaldo and Al-Nassr, marking Inter Miami’s inaugural international tour with stops in El Salvador and Hong Kong.
The Kingdom Arena in Riyadh will host Inter Miami’s first encounter against Al-Hilal on January 29, followed by a showdown with familiar rival Cristiano Ronaldo and Al-Nassr on February 1.
Inter Miami’s Chief Business Officer, Xavier Asensi, expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity to engage with passionate fans and build lasting relationships. In a press release, Asensi stated, “We are excited to connect with new supporters in Saudi Arabia, and also hope people all over the world will be tuning in to see a pair of dream matches like these.”
The clash between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo adds a significant layer of excitement to the tournament. The two football legends, boasting a combined 13 Ballon d’Or awards, have faced each other more than 30 times throughout their illustrious careers. Messi, currently leading the Ballon d’Or race with eight victories to Ronaldo’s five, will headline Inter Miami’s roster.
The international tour comes after Lionel Messi received an offer to join the Saudi league following his departure from Paris St Germain. However, the football maestro opted to sign with Inter Miami, where he quickly made an impact by leading the team to victory in the Leagues Cup, consequently elevating ticket prices and sparking increased interest in the MLS franchise.
