Al Nassr vs Inter Miami: Predicted lineup, injury news, head-to-head, telecast: Ronaldo vs Messi

Published at :January 31, 2024 at 8:31 PM

Modified at :January 31, 2024 at 8:31 PM

Two of the greatest footballers players of all time meet again

Saudi Pro League giants Al Nassr will host Major League Soccer’s Inter Miami in the Riyadh Seasons Cup on Thursday, February 1. This will be a midseason friendly tournament for the SPL, and a preseason tournament for the MLS. Al Nassr are second in the SPL with 46 points from 19 games and are seven points behind leader Al Hilal.

Miami, on the other hand, ended the 2023 MLS season in a rather poor fashion. Their last outing against Dallas was their second preseason game ahead of the 2024 campaign. However, Miami will look to perform better than they did in that 1-0 defeat. It will be a mouthwatering clash as both Messi and Ronaldo will be facing each other for the last time. The home side is in really good form and it will be very difficult for the away team to beat them.

Kick-Off:

Thursday, 1st Feb 2024, 11:30 PM (IST), 06:00 PM (GMT), 01:00 PM (EST)

Stadium: Kingdom Arena

Form

Al Nassr Form (All Competitions): W-W-W-W-W

Inter Miami Form (All Competitions): L-D-L-W-L

Players to Watch

Cristiano Ronaldo (Al Nassr)

Beyond his remarkable professionalism, much of Ronaldo’s longevity owes to his ability to adapt by operating in fewer areas of the pitch and the preservation of his goalscoring instinct. Though he remains in superb condition, he is less capable of making the numerous sprints, with or without the ball, he once did. He has been phenomenal for the Saudi side since he joined the club and will hope to keep up his form.

It was recently confirmed that Cristiano Ronaldo has been ruled out of this fixture. Abdulrahman Ghareeb could replace him in the attack. The 26-year-old played for Saudi Arabia in the AFC Asian Cup and can play against Inter Miami.

Al-Nassr have confirmed that Cristiano Ronaldo will not play against Lionel Messi and Inter Miami on Thursday 💔#Ronaldo #Messi #AlNassr #InterMiami #Football pic.twitter.com/RcqEOl38Tj
— Khel Now World Football (@KhelNowWF) January 31, 2024

Lionel Messi (Inter Miami)

Lionel Messi Ballon d'Or 2023 — **Lionel Messi has won a record 8 Ballon d’Or titles**

Messi is known for his finishing, positioning, quick reactions, and ability to make attacking runs to beat the defensive line. His incisive passing and vision are arguably the most underrated parts of his game, , he possesses significant upper-body strength, which, combined with his low centre of gravity and resulting balance, aids him in withstanding physical challenges from opponents.

Also Read: Top 10 players with most Ballon d’Or awards

Match Facts

It will be their first meeting playing against each other.
Al Nassr are in better form as compared to the Miami
Al Nassr are seven points behind their rival in the Saudi Pro League

Injury and Team News

Manager Luis Castro will have a full-strength squad at his disposal and will likely go with his strongest XI for this game. Sadio Mane will be unavailable due to ongoing AFCON.

The Miami-based side will be without defenders Franco Negri and Ian Fray, as well as forward Corentin Jean, who are all out long-term with cruciate ligament injuries. Attacking midfielder Facundo Farias was unfortunately the latest to join that list and picked up the same injury earlier this month.

Head-to-Head

This will be the first time they will face each other.

Predicted Lineup for Al Nassr vs Inter Miami

Al Nassr Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1):

Al-Aqidi(GK); Ghannam, Amri, Laporte, Telles; Al-Khaibari, Brozovic; Talisca, Otavio, Maran; Abdulrahman Ghareeb

Inter Miami Predicted Lineup (3-5-2):

Callender(GK); Allen, Kryvtsov, Aviles; Yedlin, Gressel, Busquets, Ruiz, Alba; Suarez, Messi

Match Prediction for Al Nassr vs Inter Miami

Visitors Inter Miami seem to be in a spot of bother and could struggle against an Al Nassr side that will be playing in familiar home conditions as well. Additionally, all of the hosts’ players will have had adequate rest in the build-up to this friendly tournament. The home side will win this fixture.

Prediction: Al Nassr 3-1 Inter Miami

Telecast

Apple TV will telecast this match in all countries.

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