Cristiano Ronaldo taunted by ‘Messi’ chants after new low in Saudi Arabia

The Portuguese forward played all 90 minutes in a 3-1 Saudi Super Cup semi final defeat to Al-Ittihad

Harry Latham-Coyle
Friday 27 January 2023 05:26 EST
Comments
Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi on scoresheet in Saudi Arabia friendly

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Cristiano Ronaldo appeared to be taunted with chants about his on-field rival Lionel Messi after the Portuguese forward’s new club were beaten again.

Ronaldo failed to register in a 3-1 defeat to Al-Ittihad as Al-Nassr were knocked out of the Saudi Super Cup at the semi-final stage.

Having made his debut in the league on Sunday, the Portuguese forward again played all 90 minutes in a central striking role.

But goals from Romarinho, Abderrazak Hamdallah and Muhannad Al-Shanqeeti ensured it Al-Ittihad set up a final against Al Feiha on Sunday, with the club’s supporters apparently revelling in an opportunity to mock Ronado with repeated calls of Messi’s name as the 37-year-old left the pitch.

Ronaldo reportedly became the highest paid footballer in history when he agreed to join Al-Nassr at the start of January.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner had his contract with Manchester United ended in November after alleging that he was being forced out of the club in a two-part interview with TalkTV.

Ronaldo also accused Erik ten Hag, who was appointed as manager at Old Trafford last summer, of having a lack of “respect” for him, and alleged that senior executives lack empathy after the death of Ronaldo’s newborn son in April of last year.

Al-Nassr are top of the Saudi Pro League and meet Al Fateh next Friday.

Click here to subscribe to The Independent’s Sport YouTube channel for all the latest sports videos.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in