Ronaldo to Miss Friendly Al-Nassr-Inter Miami Reunion because of Injury

TOPSHOT - Nassr's Portuguese forward #07 Cristiano Ronaldo shoots the ball during the Saudi Pro League football match between Al-Nassr and Al-Riyadh at al-Awwal Park Stadium in Riyadh on December 8, 2023. (Photo by Fayez NURELDINE / AFP)

Cristiano Ronaldo will miss the chance of a much anticipated reunion with Lionel Messi because of an injury, Al-Nassr coach Luis Castro said Wednesday.
Ronaldo is recovering from a reported calf injury and will not be fit in time to play in the exhibition match between Al-Nassr and Inter Miami in Riyadh on Thursday.
“Cristiano is in the final stage of his recuperation before re-joining the team. We expect that in the next few days he will start working with the team. So, obviously, it will mean he is absent for the game (against Inter Miami),” Castro said at a news conference.
Messi and Ronaldo were longtime rivals when they played in Spain — for Barcelona and Real Madrid, respectively — and have combined to win 13 of the last 15 Ballon d'Or awards given to the world's best player.
The latest installment of that rivalry was seen as the highlight of Miami's pre-season tour, which included two games in Saudi Arabia.