Ronaldo vs Messi in Saudi Arabia: The sordid final chapter of our era’s greatest football rivalry

PSG 5 Al Nassr/Al Hilal 4

By Thom Gibbs

Across the Arabian peninsula there is a desire to sell the region as a viable tourist destination. The hospitality, potential visitors are told, is second to none. Hard to disagree after the welcome rolled out for Cristiano Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia.

His debut in a Riyadh selection box team came against full-strength Paris Saint-Germain in a Thursday night friendly. In the first half, Ronaldo was awarded a dubious penalty, saw an opponent sent off even more questionably and scored his second equaliser in the sixth of three advertised stoppage time minutes.

What more can we offer you Cristiano? Complimentary mint? New watch? An extra floor in your house? PSG did their bit too, Neymar rolling a gentle penalty into the arms of Team Ronaldo’s keeper, but they eventually trundled to a 5-4 win despite their man deficit.

This was Ronaldo’s first match since his move to the Middle East, appearing in a compilation XI. It was the very best of Saudi’s two most successful clubs: Al Nasr and Al Hilal,  Al That’s what I call football.

It could also be the sordid final chapter of our era’s greatest football rivalry. Ronaldo vs. Messi sustained an astonishingly long peak, which took off in the 2009 Champions League final when Messi’s Barcelona beat Ronaldo’s Manchester United. Eight years later Messi scored a late winner in a Clásico at the Bernabéu, parading the named side of his shirt in front of livid home fans.

Since then, both have been in decline as club footballers and the level Ronaldo has now reached was written all over his shirt. The font spelling out his name was an ugly italic script, like a high street card shop. The shirt itself was a shimmering sky blue and over-sponsored mess. Toto, I’ve a feeling we’re not in the Champions League any more.

Messi scored first after three minutes, helped by a goalkeeper seemingly jumping out of the way of his shot. Half an hour later, Ronaldo was thumped in the jaw by a flying elbow from Keylor Navas as both jumped in vain for the same free kick. Penalty, said Qatari referee Abdulrahman Al-Jassim, to widespread surprise and a striking lack of Var input.

With a shiner growing beneath his left eye, this was the moment the Messi-Ronaldo rivalry entered its tired Rocky V phase. Where and when will it end? It could not be settled by a Louis Vuitton-sponsored chess match before Qatar 2022, although Messi will point to his World Cup as conclusive proof of superiority.

But do not underestimate the appetite for endless narrative extension. In the age of infinite superhero franchises we can expect hologram Ronaldo to face robot Messi in metaverse arenas until roughly the date when our earth is consumed by the sun.

Ultimately, this earth-bound meeting in the infraverse was French outpost of Qatari state vs the Saudi Al-stars. It was quite tough to know who to cheer for. Ronaldo has lost some sympathy for his choice of retirement plan, but Messi is not averse to a bit of paid partnership himself.

“Was impressed by Al Balad, a beautiful UNESCO historical site that mixes charm with heritage and provides an unforgettable experience #VisitSaudi” he dutifully wrote in his role as a Saudi tourism ambassador last year. No word yet on how the spice market compares with Doha’s, but sure the debate rages in his WhatsApp with David Beckham.

Perhaps conscious that any pictures of the two together could be extremely lucrative, interactions between Messi and Ronaldo were limited to a courteous slap of hands in the tunnel before the game. Ronaldo was subbed off after 60 minutes, after Kylian Mbappé made it 4-3 from the penalty spot, the scoreline and game fast becoming untethered from reality. Messi followed a minute later, another tiny act of one-upmanship in the forever war.

Both seemed happy, especially Ronaldo, who spent the game smiling more than he had in months. He appeared satisfied with his return of two goals, a man of the match trophy and several no-look backheels. Perhaps for all the talk of sad ends to legacies this is what he wants?

To perform tricks in no-stakes friendlies. To collect some more commemorative plaques. To spark joy. And, of course, to be paid for it.

'Battle of the Greats': As it happened

07:10 PM

FT: PSG 5 Al Nassr/Al Hilal 4

PSG's 10-men are the winners and will view that as a helpful run-out.

Ronaldo scored two and Messi just the one, which will please his army of online disciples no end.

Ronaldo's charm offensive with his new adoring public has begun.

07:09 PM

GOOOAAALL! We have ninth goal of the game

Talisca has carried a threat off the bench for the Saudi XI, and he finds the bottom corner with a powerful strike from 25 yards or so. PSG 5 Al Nassr/Al Hilal 4.

07:07 PM

92 minutes: PSG 5 Al Nassr/Al Hilal 3

Cracking hit on the volley from Carillo but it whistles over the bar.

07:05 PM

90 minutes: PSG 5 Al Nassr/Al Hilal 3

Time running out for Al Nassr/Al Hilal but they are still pushing numbers forward.

The camera pans to Ronaldo and he blows a kiss to the crowd. I'd be careful with public displays of affection like that...

07:00 PM

86 minutes: PSG 5 Al Nassr/Al Hilal 3

A potential injury worry for PSG fans here with the substitute Vitinha substituted. I doubt it is a verdict on his performance. Maybe he is just feeling sick.

06:58 PM

83 minutes: PSG 5 Al Nassr/Al Hilal 3

Vintinha brings down the lively Talisca just outside the edge of the box. A chance for the Saudi team to pull one back, and Talisca is going to take the free-kick with his left foot. Clean hit, but high and wide.

06:55 PM

79 minutes: PSG 5 Al Nassr/Al Hilal 3

Donnarumma is on and showing greater assurance than Navas, easily claiming a loopy cross into the box. The combined Saudi team are starting to look leggy.

06:53 PM

GOOAAAALL! Lovely goal from Hugo Ekitiké

You could see why Newcastle were monitoring him there. The striker's long stride was him burst into space behind a high line, and he powered a shot into the far top corner with his right peg. Pleasing to see a forward put his head down and lace one like that.

06:49 PM

74 minutes: PSG 4 Al Nassr/Al Hilal 3

That was good play from the hosts after Gustavo forced a turnover in midfield, but Andre Carillo dragged his shot wide of the post. PSG's youngsters showing some nice touches but understandably more lightweight.

06:45 PM

70 minutes: PSG 4 Al Nassr/Al Hilal 3

Hugo Ekitiké, strongly linked with Newcastle last January, almost had a tap-in there but an outstretched leg by the defender cut out a square ball across the box.

06:42 PM

67 minutes: PSG 4 Al Nassr/Al Hilal 3

One of the PSG youngsters who has come on is 16-year-old Warren Zaïre-Emery who has been linked with Arsenal. There is a lot of hype around him. The game has slowed down since all the changes.

I'd temporarily forgotten that PSG are playing with 10 men...think we can conclude this would have been a bit of a non-contest with 11.

06:38 PM

63 minutes: PSG 4 Al Nassr/Al Hilal 3

That's the end of Ronaldo's night. He departs to a standing ovation and will be happy with his two goals.

Neymar, Mbappe and Neymar are also coming off to be replaced by a clutch of PSG fringe players.

Argentine Marcelo Gallardo is coaching the Saudi XI today, and there was a nice moment as he embraced Messi and seemed to express his gratitude.

06:35 PM

GOOOALLL! Mbappe shows Neymar how it's done!

Sends Al Owais the wrong way and confidently finds the right-hand corner. PSG lead 4-3.

06:34 PM

Now PSG have a penalty! This is all fairly comical

It's the third penalty of the game, awarded because Al Bulayhi stuck his arm out to block a Messi shot. Surely Neymar will not take this one. I was right, Mbappe has the ball...

06:31 PM

GOOOAAALL! Saudi-XI level within minutes

The South Korean defender Jang makes a run to the near post from a corner and his glancing header makes it 3-3. The crowd in Riyadh have certainly got their money's worth.

06:29 PM

GOOOAAALLL! PSG lead again

It's brilliant wingplay from Mbappe, toying with his opposite man, and to the defender's surprise he went on the outside and delivered a low cross with his left. Sergio Ramos went sliding in and got the vital touch. Not the most important goal of his career, but the commentators love it.

06:27 PM

52 minutes: PSG 2 Al Nassr/Al Hilal 2

This contest is still bright and breezy, with PSG threatening from successive set-pieces.

06:24 PM

49 minutes: PSG 2 Al Nassr/Al Hilal 2

Talisca takes on a shot from range for the Saudis and catches it sweetly, but it was always rising. PSG are now using Fabian Ruiz at left-back rather than his usual midfield role.

06:22 PM

47 minutes: PSG 2 Al Nassr/Al Hilal 2

PSG will not want to have to use Keylor Navas in the Champions League knockouts rounds. He looks rather scatty in goal as he fails to collect a loose ball and concedes a corner.

To be fair to the goalkeeper, he made a smart save from a header moments later.

06:19 PM

We are back out for the second half

Ronaldo and Mbappe are having a laugh in the centre circle about the lump on his cheek from the penalty incident. A couple of subs being made: Vitinha and Danilo coming on for PSG. Talisca is one of the Saudi changes.

06:03 PM

HT: PSG 2 Al Nassr/Al Hilal 2

A crazy half: four goals (one for Messi, two for Ronaldo), a PSG red card and a Neymar missed penalty.

Ronaldo has looked sprightly but after that collision with Navas a big bruise is developing around his eye.

06:01 PM

GOOOAAALL! Would you believe it...Ronaldo's scored again

A frantic end to the half, well beyond the original three minutes of added time.

Ronaldo struck the post with a flicked header, Ramos made a mess of clearing the rebound and it dropped for Ronaldo to slam home with his left foot.

05:58 PM

Neymar's penalty saved!

Maybe it was best Neymar did not take a penalty in the World Cup against Croatia! A truly dreadful attempt after a stuttered run-up, and a simple save for Al Owais diving to his left.

05:57 PM

Var overturns the decision: Penalty PSG

Well that is one penalty for each team. Which one of the front three will take it?

Neymar, the man who won the penalty, is stepping up. That's not very French.

05:56 PM

45 minutes: PSG 2 Al Nassr/Al Hilal 1

Well this has been an entertaining 45 minutes, all things considered. PSG's turn to ask for a penalty on the stroke of half time after Neymar was brought down in the box. Moments earlier, Al Owais produced a good save to deny Mbappe from a tight angle.

05:53 PM

GOOOAAALL! PSG have regained the lead

The 10 men are in front. It was soft defending from a short corner, and Mbappe's cross in behind the defence was turned home by Marquinhos with a lovely flick.

05:50 PM

PSG red card!

We saw how dangerous Al-Dawsari was in the World Cup, and he looked to be through on goal from the halfway line when Bernat dragged him down. It was a cynical foul, but he had a long way to travel and this is an exhibition game.

05:47 PM

37 minutes: PSG 1 Al Nassr/Al Hilal 1

That might just serve to make PSG and their front three angry. The sponsors and suits in the stands will be delighted that both Messi and Ronaldo have scored.

Mbappe has just breezed beyond the Saudi XI right-back with a fearsome turn of speed, but his cross is cleared.

05:44 PM

GOOOAAALLL! Ronaldo converts

Navas goes the right way but Ronaldo's penalty to his left had too much power.

There is the trademark 'SIU!' celebration, which the crowd joins in with enthusiastically.

05:43 PM

32 minutes: PSG 1 Al Nassr/Al Hilal 0

Navas has come off his line and absolutely clattered Ronaldo in the air. A free-kick was whipped in from the right, and Ronaldo and Navas both had their eye on the ball, but both missed it.

Has the referee given a penalty? Navas did waft his arm towards Ronaldo's face but there was little contact.

It is a penalty! Ronaldo to take. How convenient.

05:39 PM

28 minutes: PSG 1 Al Nassr/Al Hilal 0

Messi chops inside and sees a shot deflected behind for a corner which the Saudi XI deal with. Ramos uses all of his nous the deal with a long ball forward towards Moussa Marega.

05:35 PM

26 minutes: PSG 1 Al Nassr/Al Hilal 0

Mbappe thought he had scored PSG's second after going round Al Owais, but the flag goes up for offside.

This game has been deemed sufficiently serious for Var to be in place, and the technology confirms the original decision.

05:33 PM

24 minutes: PSG 1 Al Nassr/Al Hilal 0

Ronaldo has not lost his talent for an over-zealous penalty appeal. The referee is having none of his appeals for handball.

Bernat gets in round the back for PSG again but he could not find a team-mate with his pull-back.

05:31 PM

22 minutes: PSG 1 Al Nassr/Al Hilal 0

PSG are loving these little chips around the edge of the box, but Messi miscued this one when Mbappe was in space to his left. After a few promising attacks from Ronaldo's team, PSG looking very comfortable now.

05:29 PM

19 minutes: PSG 1 Al Nassr/Al Hilal 0

Lovely football from PSG once again. Ruiz with another dinked pass into the box for Mbappe in the left channel, but Neymar could not quite reach his low cross on the stretch. The ball bounces off Ronaldo at the edge of the PSG box and runs through to Navas.

05:26 PM

16 minutes: PSG 1 Al Nassr/Al Hilal 0

After a decent flurry of attacks from the Saudi XI, PSG go very close to the second goal. Brilliant pass from Hakimi curled in behind the retreating defence for Mbappe. He took a touch to steady himself just outside the six-yard box, but his shot was straight at the goalkeeper.

05:23 PM

12 minutes: PSG 1 Al Nassr/Al Hilal 0

Ronaldo involved in some neat interplay around the edge of the box, and Gustavo stung the palms of Navas with another shot from around the edge of the box. Then Ronaldo tries to dribble through half of the PSG team but Ramos got a foot to the ball against his old pal.

05:19 PM

9 minutes; PSG 1 Al Nassr/Al Hilal 0

PSG moving through the gears with Neymar and Mbappe again and the ball runs dangerously across the six-yard box.

The Saudi XI try to swing a cross to Ronaldo at the back post but Marquinhos makes good enough contact to head clear.

05:17 PM

6 minutes; PSG 1 Al Nassr/Al Hilal 0

A few familiar faces in this Al Nassr/Al Hilal team: former Bayern Munich man Luiz Gustavo is in midfield, and former Sporting and Benfica attacker Andre Carillo is also in the team.

Ronaldo lets fly from outside the box for his first shot of the game, but it was a simple save for Navas.

05:14 PM

GOOOAAAL! Messi scores as Ronaldo walks back to halfway line

That did not take long for PSG to land a blow. Neymar collected the ball in a pocket of space towards the left wing, and dinked a pass into the penalty area for the run of Messi. He got his left foot to the bouncing ball before goalkeeper Al Owais and found the back of the net.

05:12 PM

2 minutes; PSG 0 Al Nassr/Al Hilal 0

A few cheers in the crowd as Messi gets an early touch around the halfway line. It looks like Ronaldo is playing as one of two strikers in a 4-4-2 for the hybrid Saudi team.

05:10 PM

KICK OFF!

PSG get us started, playing in their dark away kit.

05:08 PM

The pre-match pleasantries are still going...

It sounded like every player was formally introduced by the announcer. Now we have the Saudi national anthem. We're running eight minutes late but nobody seems in much of a rush as the dignitaries shuffle off the pitch.

05:03 PM

The players are now in the tunnel

Ronaldo leads the combined Saudi team out. There was a warm embrace with former Real Madrid team-mate Sergio Ramos, with Ronaldo seeming to comment on the defender's earring. Looked like a perfunctory slap on the hand as Ronaldo walked past Messi.

04:52 PM

Struggling to locate a teamsheet for Al Nassr/Al Hilal

So if you're conducting a scouting operation of the cream of the Saudi league, I might not be much help. I should be able to identify Ronaldo, though.

04:45 PM

PSG team news: Messi, Mbappe and Neymar all start

PSG rather casually posted their starting XI 17 minutes before kick off.

That is a very strong team: Navas; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Ramos, Bernat; Fabian Ruiz, Soler, Sanches; Neymar, Messi, Mbappe

04:42 PM

The King Fahd International Stadium beginning to fill up

Tickets for this sold out at an incredible speed if reports are to be believed.

04:35 PM

No David Ospina in goal for the combined Saudi XI

Bad news for any Arsenal fans out there who fancied a trip down memory lane. I'm surprised he came far enough off his line to sustain injury- usually he is standing two yards behind it.

04:24 PM

Looks like PSG have decided to rub Ronaldo's nose in it

04:21 PM

PSG's live coverage has now started

Their pitchside reporters are wrapped up in quilted coats. Apparently there is quite a chilly breeze whipping around the stadium. So we might finally get the answer to whether Messi can do it on a cold Thursday night in Riyadh?

04:08 PM

Messi back in the Gulf

Lionel Messi touching tarmac in Saudi Arabia, where his an ambassador for the Kingdom's tourist board, on a Qatar Airways flight to play a game for a club owned by Qatar Sports Investments. The glory game, eh...

04:02 PM

There is another potential 'GOAT' involved

03:35 PM

Saudi fans get their first look at Ronaldo in action

Cristiano Ronaldo plays his first game since moving to Saudi Arabia this afternoon, as he captains an Al Nassr/Al Hilal combined XI against a PSG side featuring Lionel Messi.

It has been a contrasting few months for the two modern legends of the sport, with Messi lifting the World Cup for Argentina in December and Ronaldo calling time on his top level career in an interview with Piers Morgan.

Ronaldo signed for Saudi side Al-Nassr on an extraordinary £165 million a year contract, after Manchester United terminated his contract.

Football finance expert Neil Joyce told Reuters that Ronaldo's move to Saudi Arabia could set a precedent for more big-name players to arrive and develop the Saudi league in the same way to Pele's impact on US Soccer after he joined New York Cosmos in 1975.

"It's more of a short-term hit that they can get with him. But also, if they want to become the next version of the MLS (Major League Soccer). Think back to Pele," Joyce said.

"The Ronaldo effect could take hold in that area and, given the success of the World Cup in that region, I think it makes a lot of sense for Ronaldo and the value that it can bring in the not-too-distant future.

"You're going to see a series of relatively high-profile stars that maybe are entering the latter stages of their career, probably moving over to Saudi Arabia."

PSG are top of Ligue 1 on 47 points at the halfway mark, although their lead over second-place Lens is just three points. They resume their league campaign against Reims next Sunday. Christophe Galtier's team face a difficult Champions League last-16 tie against Bayern Munich next month, the team who beat them in the final of the competition in 2020.

Full team news on the way shortly.