09 January 2023 , 11:05
722
0
Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi could reignite their rivalry in the Middle East after fans were denied last season.
The two superstars have recently seen their careers go in different directions, but could be back on the same pitch next week in an exhibition match. Ronaldo has opted to head to the Middle East following his controversial and sudden departure from Manchester United.
Al-Nassr offered Ronaldo millions to join them and it means the Portuguese star is eligible for a Saudi All-Star team that will play PSG in a friendly. The Parisians, who recently welcomed Messi back following his World Cup triumph, will embark on a winter tour to Saudi Arabia.
Fans thought they'd got the chance to see Messi and Ronaldo square off in the knockout stages of the Champions League last term. United were drawn against PSG and, for a brief period, there was huge anticipation about the clash. However an error during the draw meant it had to be redone.
UEFA made a blunder regarding the amount of potential opponents and had to void their original draw. It put paid to any hopes of a Ronaldo vs Messi clash as United were drawn with Atletico Madrid and the French side paired with eventual winners Real Madrid.
Mirror Football's Premier League team of 2022 as champions dominate
Messi and Ronaldo have come up against each other in some mouthwatering knockout games on the European stage. The Argentine came out on top in the 2009 final and he again got the better of Ronaldo when he won a heavyweight semi-final clash two years later.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi could be set for a rare reunion (Getty Images)Who is the greatest? Ronaldo or Messi? Have your say in the comments below.
Their last meeting was in the Champions League two years ago. Juventus and Barcelona were paired in the same group with each team winning their away game. The Catalans coming away from Turin with a 2-0 win before Ronaldo scored in a 3-0 win at the Nou Camp.
The two players have endured greatly contrasting 18 month periods. Ronaldo's second-coming in Manchester did not go as planned with the team going backwards and Ronaldo himself copping criticism for his attitude and public displays of frustration. Messi meanwhile has become a World Champion with Argentina as he continues to defy his age.
Ronaldo has claimed he's conquered all he can in Europe which is why he's opted for a switch to the Middle East. He said: "I feel so proud to make this big decision in my life. In Europe, my work is done. I won everything and now this is a new challenge.
"I'm grateful Al Nassr have given me this opportunity, not only for the football but for the young generation and the female generation. For me, this is a challenge but I feel very happy and very proud."