In a thrilling clash, Lionel Messi's PSG won 5-4 against Cristiano Ronaldo's combined XI of Saudi Arabian teams Al Nassr and AlHilal at the King Fahd Stadium in Riyadh on Thursday. It is the first time since 2020, Messi and Ronaldo are facing off on the field. The fans were not left disappointed as both scored goals for their teams.
The match between the PSG and the combined XI of Saudi Arabian teams began with Messi opening the scoring in the third minute. Ronaldo equalised in the 34th minute by gaining a penalty spot before Marquinhos put PSG ahead at half-time by scoring in the 43rd minute.
Bernat was shown a red card right after the equaliser, but the Ligue 1 club responded well to going a man down, scoring through defender Marquinhos, reported Reuters.
The PSG lead was again equalised by Ronaldo once again on the verge of halftime.
The goals continued in the second half as well. A handball by Ali Al-Bulaihi paved way for a penalty, which was dispatched by Kylian Mbappe.
Later, goals were scored by Mbappe, Hugo Ekitike and Anderson Talisca. PSG's Neymar missed from the penalty spot.
It was Ekitike's goal that extended PSG's lead to 5-3. Though a late consolation goal was scored by Talisca in added time, it could not make the team victorious.
Though Ronaldo was unable to start his chapter in Saudi Arabia with a win, all eyes are on him as he prepared to make his first competitive appearance for Al Nassr on Sunday.
