Football legends Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi will face off one last time at the Riyadh Season Cup in Saudi Arabia this February.
The Saudi sports authority announced on Tuesday that Ronaldo’s new club Al-Nassr will co-host the exhibition tournament along with rivals Al-Hilal, home to Brazilian star Neymar Jr. Messi’s MLS club Inter Miami has also been invited to participate during their 2023 preseason.
Billed as “The Last Dance” between the two icons of the modern era, Ronaldo and Messi will clash for the 37th time in their storied careers.
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Messi currently leads their historic head-to-head record 16 wins to 11. Their first meeting came in 2008 when Ronaldo was with Manchester United and Messi was establishing himself at Barcelona.
“I welcome the participation of Inter Miami CF,” said Saudi sports minister Turki Alalshikh. “The tournament will have a global following due to the prominent international football stars.”
Messi is currently on national team duty with Argentina, taking on Brazil in CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying on Tuesday. He will return to the United States before traveling to Saudi Arabia in February.
Ronaldo recently signed a lucrative 2 1⁄2 year contract with Al-Nassr worth over $200 million. The Portuguese superstar is expected to make his Saudi Pro League debut in the coming weeks.
At 37 and 35 years old respectively, Ronaldo and Messi are nearing the end of their careers. The Riyadh Season Cup offers what could be the last opportunity for fans to witness the two titans of the modern game compete on the pitch. Tickets are expected to be in high demand for the event.
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