(Reuters) – Lionel Messi took his place on the substitutes’ bench for Inter Miami’s friendly against Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr on Thursday despite reports that he would miss the game due to a hamstring injury.
The match, possibly the last chance for the multiple Ballon D’Or winners to face each other on the pitch, is part of a friendly tournament in Riyadh also involving Neymar’s Al-Hilal, the Saudi Pro League leaders.
Messi started the game against Al-Hilal on Monday, converting a penalty in the 54th minute before he was substituted two minutes from time as Inter lost 4-3.
The Argentine was reported to have felt discomfort in his hamstring.
Portugal forward Ronaldo was ruled out of the squad as he continues his recovery from a muscle issue, Al-Nassr coach Luis Castro said on Wednesday, disappointing fans hoping to see the world’s two most famous and decorated footballers in opposition.
Al-Nassr last week cancelled their two-game China tour due to Ronaldo’s injury.
(Reporting by Anita Kobylinska in Gdansk, editing by Ed Osmond)
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