Messi first faced Ronaldo with his new club in Saudi Arabia

 

Following his coach's announcement that the Portugal international would play against Paris Saint-Germain in a friendly this month, Cristiano Ronaldo may face Lionel Messi in his first game since moving to Saudi Arabia.

Ronaldo must serve a ban before making his league debut with Al Nassr, but he is anticipated to play PSG on January 19 in Riyadh with a lineup made up of players from both Al Nassr and Al Hilal.

After being punished by the English Football Association for knocking a fan's phone out of their hand following Manchester United's defeat at Everton in April, Ronaldo missed the first of two domestic matches for Al Nassr on Friday.

Al Nassr's manager, Rudi Garcia, announced that the 37-year-old forward would also miss the league match against Al Shabab and was scheduled to make his debut on January 22 against Ettifaq, although he anticipates Ronaldo to play against PSG. Geopolitically speaking, the match is significant as well because it pits Saudi teams against a Qatari team.

According to Garcia, "it [his debut] won't be with the Al Nassr jersey," L'Équipe reported. "A combination of Al Hilal and Al Nassr will be used. I am unable to be pleased with this match as Al Nassr's head coach. To watch PSG and the great Parisian players is definitely beneficial for development. But three days later, we play in the championship game.

"The scheduling might have used some more careful consideration. However, it's not a big deal... Being in the lead makes us joyful. Although winning the championship is challenging, we plan to do it.

Garcia highlighted the little-known Saudi club, which has gained more than 10 million new Instagram followers since the player's signing, by comparing Ronaldo's entrance in Saudi Arabia to Pelé's move to the New York Cosmos.

He hasn't had it easy lately, the manager remarked of Ronaldo, "between Manchester United, the national team, and even at a private level." "It will be a good objective to achieve if he discovers the joy of playing again."

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