Messi late cameo as Ronaldoless Al-Nassr crush Miami 6-0
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Messi, nursing a hamstring problem, started on the bench and Ronaldo missed out completely due to a muscle injury, disappointing fans hoping to see the world's 2 most famous footballers in opposition
Lionel Messi came on as an 83rd-minute substitute but could do nothing to stop Inter Miami suffering a 6-0 drubbing by an Al-Nassr team without Cristiano Ronaldo in Riyadh Thursday.
The match, billed as possibly the last chance for the multiple Ballon d'Or winners to face each other on the pitch, was part of a friendly tournament also involving Brazilian Neymar's Al-Hilal, the Saudi Pro League leaders.
Argentina forward Messi, nursing a hamstring problem, started on the bench and Portugal's Ronaldo missed out completely due to a muscle injury, disappointing fans hoping to see the world's two most famous footballers in opposition.
Inter, who started the game with former Barcelona players Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets in their lineup, trailed 3-0 inside 12 minutes and never threatened to make a comeback.
Messi, 36, played against Al-Hilal Monday, converting a penalty in the 54th minute before he was substituted two minutes from time as Inter lost 4-3.
Al-Nassr last week cancelled their two-game China tour due to the absence of the 38-year old Ronaldo.
RESULT
Al Nassr 6 (Otavio 3, Talisca 10, 51-P, 73, Laporte 12, Maran 68) Miami 0
Source: Reuters