Returning to the field, Ronaldo had to hear the 'Messi-Messi' slogan.
Cristiano Ronaldo left Real Madrid in 2018 after almost a decade of rivalry with Lionel Messi in La Liga. Now neither of them is in European football. Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia and Messi in the United States. The two face each other on the field, sometimes in a friendly match.
Even though Messi and Ronaldo play football in two parts of the world, their old rivalry still remains in the minds of the fans. And that groove is felt by Ronaldo sometimes. The supporters of the opposing team sometimes chanted 'Messi, Messi' to cheer him on in various fields in Saudi Arabia.
Ronaldo scored the first goal in Al Nassr's 3–2 win over Al Shabab in the Saudi Pro League on 25 February. The goal was the Portuguese star's 750th in club football. On the day he reached the milestone, Ronaldo made an obscene gesture after being annoyed by the opposition fans chanting 'Messi, Messi' at him. He was banned for one match in the Saudi Pro League for this. As a result, he could not play in Al Nassr's last match against Al Hazem. Riyadh saw the team draw 4-4 at home in the VIP gallery.
Ronaldo returned to the field for Al Nassr last night. However, Ronaldo did not score in the first leg of the AFC Champions League quarter-finals. His team also lost 1-0 from the United Arab Emirates club Al Ain ground.
Ronaldo's frustration with the loss was compounded by the displeasure of Al Ain supporters. As Al Nassr's players made their way to the dressing room from 1-0 down, Al Ain supporters chanted 'Messi, Messi' at Ronaldo.
This time, however, Ronaldo did not make any obscene gesture. However, the captain of the Portugal team expressed disappointment and annoyance by shaking his head in disbelief.
