Ronaldo-Messi showdown in doubt after AlNassr postpone China tour
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr have cancelled their two-game China tour after the forward sustained an injury, the club said on Tuesday, sparking concern over the Portuguese’s participation in their upcoming game against Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami.
Al-Nassr were scheduled to play Shanghai Shenhua on 24 January and Zhejiang four days later, with both games now postponed.
“We are willing to complete our training camp as planned in Shenzhen, a city that has warmly welcomed us and shown so much love for us and our Captain,” Al-Nassr said in a statement. “Furthermore, we have agreed with the organiser to schedule a new match as soon as possible.”
The 38-year-old Ronaldo apologised to fans as he confirmed he was struggling with a fitness problem.
“I have played for 22 years and I am a player that doesn’t have too many injuries. So I’m really sad because Al-Nassr and myself have come to China to enjoy the tour,” Ronaldo said. “We have not cancelled the game, we want to push for the game and be back here … Unfortunately, I have some problem, but this is part of football and my life.”
Ronaldo, who was in Dubai last week to receive three prizes at the Globe Soccer Awards, was absent from Al-Nassr’s training at the beginning of this week, local media reported.
Fans at Al-Nassr’s hotel in Shenzhen were angered by the postponement of the match less than 24 hours before kick-off. The match organisers announced they would issue full refunds to ticket holders.
In November, Inter Miami’s tour to mainland China was cancelled two weeks after its announcement by the promoter.
Al-Nassr’s next scheduled game will be against Messi’s Inter Miami in a friendly tournament in Riyadh on 1 February. The two teams will also play Neymar’s Al-Hilal, the current Saudi Pro League leaders, in the Riyadh Season Cup.