Embrace of the giants: Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo and the most awaited moment in Saudi Arabia

Paris Saint Germain defeated Riyadh Season 5-4, a team that brings together players from Al Nassr and Al Hilal and was led by Marcelo Gallardo, in the friendly duel held in Saudi Arabia. This game had several toppings that made it special, but undoubtedly the most captivating is that it was possible to see a clash between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo again.

Undoubtedly, both the Portuguese and the Argentine are players of the time and marked a stage in the history of football. Their rivalry to try to be the best year after year has strengthened and brought out the best in everyone. One is no longer in Madrid and the other in Barcelona, ​​​​now one is in Paris and the other in Riyadh, but the duel between their teams was awaited by all.

Logically, there was great expectation to see what their court meeting would look like. Both have always had a very respectful relationship. They were never friends, but there was always friendliness. The greeting was very kind. First they shook hands, then they embraced and finally they exchanged a word. All of this happened seconds before the referee blew his whistle to start the game.

On top of that, and to reminisce about old times, both were important in the development of the game. Messi scored on the first morning of the matchexactly 3 minutes into the first half.

After half an hour, and from the diskette, Cristiano puts the partial draw. The Portuguese took responsibility, opened his foot and left the Costa Rican Keylor Navas without a chance, who was responsible for the offense with a punch that left its mark on the face of the top scorer in the history of football.

Marquinhos was in charge of putting the Parisian side back in front after 43 minutes of the first leg, but Bicho appeared again to level the process. The former Manchester United man headed in a cross which fell from the left after anticipating Sergio Ramos, although the ball hit the post. When it came time to clear the ball, Ramos made an uncharacteristic mistake and handed the goal to his former Real Madrid teammate.

The second half was a goal festival. Sergio Ramos rallied and after 8 minutes managed to make it 3 – 2 after what was a great play from Kylian Mbappe. Three minutes later, Jang Hyun-Soo tied the game for the third time. However, Mbappé made it 4-3 from a penalty and with 12 minutes to go Hugo Ekitiké extended the lead to two goals. The last change of the match was the Riyadh Season discount at the feet of Anderson Talisca.

The embrace between Gallardo and Messi

It was 17 minutes into the second half of the match between Paris Saint Germain and Riyadh Season. Christopher Galtier, coach of the French team, has organized a large number of variations. Lionel Messi was one of those who left the field of play.

Instead of going to the PSG substitutes’ bench, the captain of the national team went to say hello to Marcelo Gallardo. A warm hug was the image they gave us and immediately followed by a few words that the former River coach dedicated to the world champion in Qatar, certainly to congratulate him on the title obtained with Scaleneta.

Cristiano Ronaldo, the MVP of the friendly

Despite being part of the defeated team, Cristiano Ronaldo was chosen as the player of the match. The Portuguese scored two goals and put the French team in difficulty several times.

The former Real Madrid and Juventus player was replaced in the 15th minute of the second phase and Matheus Pereira came on in his place.