Fans say ‘Lionel Messi is ducking Cristiano Ronaldo’ as Inter Miami release shock statement denying Al-Nassr clash
FANS have claimed that Lionel Messi is "ducking" Cristiano Ronaldo after Inter Miami denied they were playing an organised friendly against Al-Nassr.
The two footballing greats were thought to face off one last time at the Riyadh Season Cup.
Messi, 36, and Ronaldo often did battle during their times at Barcelona and Real Madrid.
It was announced that they would have "The Last Dance" in a pre-season match in February,
However, Inter Miami have since denied that a match has been agreed upon and claimed that the scheduled fixture is "inaccurate".
Fans have reacted to the news on social media by suggesting that Messi is trying to get out of the match.
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One fan joked: "Messi is ducking? No way."
A second posted: "Bro is scared already."
A third commented: "Messi must thank his God after seeing this news."
A fourth said: "Messi always avoids Ronaldo in a duel."
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A fifth added: "Messi scared and running away from a challenge btw."
Inter Miami released a full statement that denied the match and claimed that team owner Jorge Mas has not made any announcement.
It read: "Earlier today, an announcement was issued stating that Inter Miami CF is scheduled to play in the Riyadh Season Cup.
"This is inaccurate. The release included statements attributed to team owner Jorge Mas.
"Mas has made no comments, publicly or privately, in relation to the preseason tour.
"Since day one, Inter Miami CF has set out to be a global brand. To this end, we have been in conversations to determine our 2024 preseason schedule.
"We look forward to showcasing our players on Inter Miami CF’s first international tour which will be announced in the coming weeks."
Messi is enjoying the swansong of his career. having won the World Cup in Qatar in 2022 before winning his eighth Ballon d'Or.
He joined Inter Miami earlier this year after leaving PSG and helped the club to their first piece of silverware as they won the Leagues Cup.
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However, Ronaldo, 38, has been playing his football in the Saudi Pro League having left Manchester United last year.
He was unable to lead the club to the league title in his first season but did have success as they won the Arab Club Champions Cup.