Gala poster, clash of giants.
Despite all sporting consideration, PSG, in the tough since the end of the World Cup, faces this Thursday (6 p.m., on
beIN SPORTS
) a selection of players from two Saudi clubs, Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr, at Riyadh.
And this as part of a mini-tour with commercial and diplomatic accents in the Gulf, in Qatar and then in Saudi Arabia.
“
No state of mind
” for Christophe Galtier, philosopher when honoring this commitment “
which dates from last year
”.
“
As the coach of Al-Nassr, I can't be happy with this match.
We have a championship meeting three days later.
In terms of programming, it could have been better thought out
“, Plague Rudi Garcia, with less jargon in the newspaper
L’Équipe
.
A match that will still have an interest, and not the least: that of pitting the Parisian Leo Messi against the new spearhead of Al-Nassr, Cristiano Ronaldo.
To discover
Calendar and results Ligue 1
League 1 standings
A new clash between the two giants of the football world, perhaps the last knowing that CR7 has turned its back on European football after a failed comeback to Manchester United and a painful World Cup with Portugal.
The twilight of the five-time Portuguese Ballon d'Or is painful to say the least, almost embarrassing at times, from his spats with Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford to his substitute status and his tears on the Qatari pitch.
Ronaldo's tears, Messi's consecration
Of course, that doesn't take anything away from Ronaldo's brilliant career.
But the contrast is striking to say the least while, at the same time, his eternal Argentinian rival is still playing at the highest level.
One could doubt it at the end of the first Parisian year of the Pulga, which clearly raised the bar during the first part of the season with PSG before guiding Argentina on the roof of the world in Qatar.
All before discussing a contract extension with the Parisian leaders, even if those of Al-Hilal dream of attracting him… to Saudi Arabia.
Messi will be free next June.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Leo Messi clashed at the end of 2020, respectively with Juventus Turin and FC Barcelona, in the group stage of C1.
ALBERT GEA / REUTERS
Read alsoWorld Cup: Ronaldo, the painful twilight of a legend
Two rooms, two atmospheres.
And this while the two thieves have sailed in the same spheres for so long.
Big gap.
Referring to an "
incredible, magical, top
" player, the ex-Madrilenian did not fail to remember that they "
shared the stage for 16 years
" a few weeks ago, in an interview with Piers Morgan.
"
I have a great relationship with him, I really respect him, he's a great guy who does great things for football
," he said.
Rivals, yes.
Enemies, no.
"
It's been a long time since we've played in the same league, Messi reminded Marca a little over a year ago.
We competed individually and as a team for the same goals.
It was a very nice stage for us and also for the people because they really appreciated it.
It is a beautiful memory that will remain in the history of football.
“For one evening, on the lawn of the King Fahd Stadium, these memories will therefore come together in the present.
Tasty.
36 duels between the two giants
All this, 15 years after the first duel between the two men.
It was in the spring of 2008, during a Champions League semi-final won by Ronaldo's Manchester United against Messi's Barça (0-0, 1-0).
Obviously, the transfer of the native of Funchal to Real Madrid, in 2009, tipped the rivalry into another dimension.
In total, they have faced each other directly 36 times, including 16 wins for Messi (22 goals, 12 assists), nine draws and 11 wins for Ronaldo (21 goals, 1 assist).
Incidentally, CR7 has risen to the rank of top scorer (140) and best passer (48) in the Champions League, with five coronations, ahead of the Pulga (129 goals and 45 assists, 4 titles), the latter having taken a large lead in the number of Golden Balls (7 against 5).
And it may not be over...
Read alsoPSG: Champions League, records, history… Five challenges for the rest of Leo Messi's career
This time, Ronaldo-Messi, it will be for butter, for the gaudriole.
Not without interest, even if one and the other would undoubtedly prefer to work quietly in view of the deadlines to come.
As far as Lionel Messi and his teammates are concerned, Wednesday was an opportunity to honor a number of commitments with partners before a training session at the Khalifa Stadium.
“
We feel at home here in Qatar.
We were very well received and put in the best conditions.
This warmth brought by our supporters will boost us for the rest of the season
“, assures the captain of PSG, Marquinhos, via the club media.
A season that could allow Messi, 35, to continue writing his legend on European courts.
Two years his senior, Ronaldo, he will already try to end his career with dignity and give shine to a booming Saudi championship.
A promotional mission also carried out by the Argentinian, named ambassador of Saudi tourism last year.
Forever linked.
