Cristiano Ronaldo to captain All-Stars team against Lionel Messi on Saudi Arabia debut, details emerge

Cristiano Ronaldo to captain All-Stars team against Lionel Messi on Saudi Arabia debut, details emerge

The Portuguese superstar signed for the Middle East side Al Nassr for a record-breaking £173million-a-year contract.

FPJ Web DeskUpdated: Tuesday, January 17, 2023, 10:32 AM IST
article-image

Cristiano Ronaldo is likely to lead an All-Stars team on his Saudi Arabian debut against Lionel Messi's PSG. Ronaldo and Messi have been arch-rivals for over 15 years, dominating the the Ballon d'Or trophy from 2008 to 2017. The Portuguese superstar signed for the Middle East side Al Nassr for a record-breaking £173million-a-year contract at the club. And now, according to Spanish daily Marca, the former Manchester United and Real Madrid star will make his debut in a friendly match against the Argentina great.

A selection of stars from Al Nassr and rivals Al Hilal will play together to face the French champions on January 19. Ronaldo will cross swords with Messi, who won the World Cup with Argentina last year. Earlier, according to Spanish daily Mundo Deportivo Al Nassr rivals Al Hilal are planning to offer a bumper deal of $300 million that will dwarf Ronaldo's $220 million a year contract. The Argentine, 35, is out of contract at PSG in the summer. Reports have claimed he has a "verbal agreement" with the Ligue 1 champions to extend his stay in the French capital.

With no formal agreement in place, the Saudi side will look to tempt the the World champions with a lucarative contract. Al Hilal and Al Nassr are arch rivals and make up the highly volatile Riyadh Derby. Al Hilal currently sit third in the Saudi Pro League, three points behind table toppers Al Nassr.

RECENT STORIES

FIFA Rankings: Worst Since 2016! Indian Football's Freefall Continues, Bangladesh Loss Sinks India...

FIFA Rankings: Worst Since 2016! Indian Football's Freefall Continues, Bangladesh Loss Sinks India...

WPL 2026 Auction: Meg Lanning To Spark Bidding War? Ex-DC Skipper Slams Epic 135 In WBBL; Video

WPL 2026 Auction: Meg Lanning To Spark Bidding War? Ex-DC Skipper Slams Epic 135 In WBBL; Video

IND-A vs BAN-A, Asia Cup Rising Stars 2025 Semifinal, Match Preview: High-Stakes Encounter Set To...

IND-A vs BAN-A, Asia Cup Rising Stars 2025 Semifinal, Match Preview: High-Stakes Encounter Set To...

IND vs SA 2nd Test: What About The Players? Sitanshu Kotak Hits Back At Gautam Gambhir Criticism...

IND vs SA 2nd Test: What About The Players? Sitanshu Kotak Hits Back At Gautam Gambhir Criticism...

'Duck, Onion Rings..': England Stars To AVOID These Food Items In Fear Of Getting Out For ZERO...

'Duck, Onion Rings..': England Stars To AVOID These Food Items In Fear Of Getting Out For ZERO...