On Feb 1, 2024, Inter Miami clashed with Al-Nassr in the most awaited friendly match in what was being called the "Clash of Icons" at the Kingdom Arena in Saudi Arabia's Riyadh. Fans all over the world were eager for a face-off between footballing greats Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. However, the match went to a different tune as Al-Nassr crushed Inter Miami 6-0.
Everyone was beside themselves at the prospect of seeing Messi and Ronaldo on the same pitch again. The pair had switched to new teams, with Messi moving to Inter Miami in the Major League Soccer (MLS) and Ronaldo to Al-Nassr of the Saudi Pro League. This friendly clash was all the more interesting given their long and storied rivalry, combined with many memorable match-ups. The match was so hyped to the point that it was one of the daily soccer picks provided by professional analysts.
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Match Overview
Al-Nassr got off to a quick start when Portuguese midfielder Otavio opened the scoring with a crispy left-foot drive to the top right corner, setting the tone for the match. Later, Brazilian attacking midfielder Anderson Talisca doubled the lead with a clinical finish. However, shortly thereafter, defender Aymeric Laporte stretched the advantage with a sensational long-range strike from within his own half that found Inter Miami goalkeeper Drake Callender off his line.
Inter Miami had a hard time showing much of a serious answer after falling behind early on. Luis Suárez did have a memorable volley, but his team's pressing attacks were blocked and neutralized by a solid Al-Nassr defence.
Al-Nassr were determined to net more in the second half. Talisca scored with a penalty kick in the 51st minute after Mohammed Maran was fouled inside the box. In the 68th minute, Maran himself scored with a header to consolidate Al-Nassr's advantage. Talisca got his third in the 73rd minute to complete the scoring and a wonderful individual display and seal the 6-0 win.
Cristiano Ronaldo, ruled out with a calf injury, did not play, but he sat in the stands to cheer on his teammates. Lionel Messi spent most of the match on the bench and only appeared towards the end. His restricted participation, however, left fans craving the much-awaited clash of the titans of Messi vs. Ronaldo, which never happened.
The result was a sobering illustration of the gulf in competition level and a reminder of the need for squad depth and preparing ahead, even for a friendly. The loss provided insight into the areas Inter Miami needed to improve upon as it continued to ramp up its preseason efforts. Coach Gerardo "Tata" Martino said there will be some tactical adjustments but that these types of games are always good for learning.
The "Clash of Icons" didn't serve up the Messi-Ronaldo duel we were hoping for, but it did provide some useful pointers about the changing fortunes of both sides. Although the score was never that close, it was a full team effort by Al-Nassr that proved the superior tactical ability and overall preparation after Miami's less-than-ideal warm-up to the new MLS season. Fans can only hope that the gods of football let these two share the field once again in a rearranged matchup.