Following their reunion in Paris Saint-Germain’s victory over the Riyadh All-Star XI, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi shared heartfelt greetings.
The highly anticipated exhibition friendly between PSG and Riyadh XI took place on Thursday at the King Fahd International Stadium in Saudi Arabia.
Ronaldo, who completed a move to Al Nassr, has been forced to wait on his debut for his new club due to suspension from his spell at Manchester United.
The 37-year-old Portuguese forward, though, was eligible to play for Riyadh XI and made an immediate impression in his first start since the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Messi fired PSG into the lead inside the opening five minutes, only for Ronaldo to successfully convert from the spot-kick for an equalizer.
Marquinhos restored PSG’s advantage only seven minutes after Ronaldo’s equalizer, but the five-time Ballon d’Or winner pulled back another one for Riyadh XI during the thrilling contest.
Sergio Ramos fired PSG back into the lead in the second half. Thereafter, Jang Hyun-soo brought Riyadh XI level only three minutes later.
PSG, who were reduced to 10 men in the first half after Juan Bernat’s sending off, then strengthened their lead in the friendly thanks to Kylian Mbappe.
Mbappe successfully scored his penalty before Hugo Ekitike added PSG’s fifth, and Talisca pulling one back for Riyadh XI during injury time.
Despite tasting defeat and being withdrawn in the second half, Ronaldo secured the Man of the Match award after his sensational first-half brace for Riyadh XI.
What Did Ronaldo And Messi Say?
Ahead of Riyadh XI vs PSG, much of the focus was placed on the reunion of on-pitch rivals Ronaldo and Messi and them potentially playing their last match against one another.
Ronaldo sent out a heartfelt message on social media after the match by saying it was “nice to see some old friends.”
One of the photos included in Ronaldo’s post was a touching image of him and Messi sharing a hug on the pitch at the King Fahd International Stadium.
“So happy to be back on the pitch, and on the score sheet!! And nice to see some old friends!” Ronaldo tweeted.
So happy to be back on the pitch, and on the score sheet!! And nice to see some old friends!👍🏼 pic.twitter.com/qZqKGHsrVD
— Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) January 19, 2023
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It would seem that Messi also enjoyed his reunion with Ronaldo, with the PSG star sharing a video on his Instagram Stories. The video in question featured the 35-year-old Argentine forward hugging Al Nassr star Ronaldo ahead of Riyadh XI vs PSG.
Leo Messi on Instagram… ❤️ pic.twitter.com/ZUepa48RAu
— TC (@totalcristiano) January 19, 2023
Ronaldo is expected to finally make his debut for Al Nassr on Sunday when his side take on Ettifaq at Mrsool Park.
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