The highly anticipated “Last Dance” between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo never materialized, but it was Al-Nassr who danced all over Inter Miami in a resounding 6-0 victory Thursday in Riyadh. While injury kept both superstars off the pitch for most of the friendly, Al-Nassr put on a dominant display that left little doubt about the evening’s outcome.
Messi, still recovering from fitness issues, only entered the field in the dying minutes with his team already trailing by five goals. Ronaldo, on the other hand, watched the entire match from the stands as he continues his own injury recovery.
Despite their absences, the game didn’t lack drama. Al-Nassr wasted no time imposing their will, with Otavio opening the scoring in the 3rd minute and Talisca netting the first of his hat-trick seven minutes later. The highlight of the night, however, belonged to former Manchester City defender Aymeric Laporte, who audaciously chipped the Inter Miami goalkeeper from inside his own half, leaving everyone stunned.
By the time Messi stepped onto the pitch, the scoreline was already beyond reach. His brief cameo did little to change the narrative, as Al-Nassr cruised to a comfortable victory. While the lack of a true Messi-Ronaldo showdown left fans wanting more, Al-Nassr sent a clear message with their emphatic performance, showcasing their dominance on the night.
The result raises further questions about the “Last Dance” concept. With both players past their peak and often battling injuries, arranging a meaningful encounter becomes increasingly difficult. Regardless, the 6-0 scoreline paints a clear picture of the gulf in quality between the two sides, with Al-Nassr making a statement even without their Portuguese talisman.
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