RIYADH: Cristiano Ronaldo was unable to play for the friendly match between his team, Al-Nassr and Inter Miami led by Lionel Messi.
The two Ballon d’Or winners were supposed to meet at the Kingdom Arena, Riyadh for a friendly match in Inter Miami’s tour series.
However, the Portuguese legend was unable to meet World Cup winner Messi with Argentina due to a calf injury.
Al-Nassr manager Luis Castro confirmed the 38-year-old’s injury last night.
“We will not be able to see Messi in action against Ronaldo. Ronaldo is in the final phase of his recovery to join the team. He will not be with this match,” said Castro.
Recently Al-Nassr was forced to cancel a trip to China due to Ronaldo’s injury.
The last time Ronaldo met Messi was in a friendly between Saudi Arabia and Paris Saint-Germain in January last year.
PSG won 5-4 with Ronaldo scoring two goals while Messi scored one.