Ronaldo slapped a mobile phone out of a fan’s hand following a game against Everton last April. World football rules require the 37-year-old star to finish serving a two-match suspension imposed by the English Football Association in November ahead of the World Cup. The Portuguese forward is set to make his first appearance for Al Nassr when they take on Ettifaq in the Saudi top flight on January 22. Ronaldo became a free agent in November 2022 after leaving Manchester United by mutual consent. Their rivalry grew during the nine years in which they faced off against each other in Spain – when Messi was starring for Barcelona and Ronaldo for Real Madrid. Ronaldo and Argentina’s Messi have dominated the sport over the last 15 years, winning the Ballon d’Or 12 times between them. Qatar-owned PSG is visiting Saudi Arabia during a two-day break in the region, which will include a visit to Doha for promotional work with the club’s portfolio of Qatari sponsors. PSG maintained their perfect record this season to stay top of the standings with a maximum 12 points.Keep reading list of 4 items list 1 of 4 Thousands of Saudi fans cheer as Ronaldo unveiled at Al Nassr list 2 of 4 Ronaldo arrives in Saudi Arabia ahead of unveiling by Al Nassr list 3 of 4 Who are Al Nassr, Cristiano Ronaldo’s new team? list 4 of 4 How Lionel Messi’s ‘bisht’ exposed Western media’s racism again end of list “No, I wasn't surprised by his enthusiasm,” said Pochettino, who did not comment on Mbappe's immediate future.įor it remains to be seen whether it’s his last season for PSG. He headed in Angel Di Maria’s cross in the 15th minute and then turned in Achraf Hakimi’s cross in the 63rd for his 135th goal since joining PSG in 2017. Mbappe had already scored both goals before Messi came on. Striker Kylian Mbappé was named in the starting lineup as Real Madrid tries to sign him before the end of the summer transfer window. The 34-year-old Messi, who led his nation to the Copa America title last month, joined PSG three weeks ago after his new contract with Barcelona fell through. That was the last time Messi won Europe's elite trophy and, somewhat ironically, his last goal for Barca in the Champions League was a brilliant strike away to PSG last season in the round of 16. He netted 672 goals for Barca and won 35 trophies for the Spanish giant, including the 2015 Champions League alongside Neymar. Messi's incredible skill, close control, grace, vision, dancing feet, astute passing, speed of thought and execution have thrilled fans for years.

They wanted to see one of the all-time greats, along with Pele and the late Diego Maradona, who Messi adored. His presence generates more enthusiasm, everyone can feel it and it has an effect on the other players.'īefore the match, hundreds of fans gathered for a glimpse of Messi as he descended the team bus and he waved back at them.

“The welcome he got was something beautiful to see and hear, on the part of our fans but also the Reims fans,” Pochettino said. PSG coach Mauricio Pochettino was touched by the reception for Messi, pointing out that supporters of both teams were delighted to see him play. Such is Messi's star factor that the home fans chanted “Messi, Messi” while a smiling Reims goalkeeper Predrag Rajkovic took a photo of Messi holding a child after the game. Messi replaced his friend and former Barcelona teammate Neymar in the 66th minute and they shared a hug.Īfter years of glory for Messi at the 99,000-capacity Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona, the record six-time Ballon d’Or winner and four-time Champions League victor made his first PSG appearance at the modest 20,000-seater Stade Auguste Delaune. Messi made his debut for PSG on Sunday after coming off the bench midway through the second half in a 2-0 win at Reims in the French league.

Lionel messi debut psg