Football News: Cristiano Ronaldo in contention to face Lionel Messi in Saudi Arabia debut

Cristiano Ronaldo could make his Saudi Arabian debut as a member of an all-star XI in a friendly matchup. This match could be against Lionel Messi's Paris Saint-Germain later this month, according to Al-Nassr head coach Rudi Garcia.

Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr on a deal through June 2025 after his contract with Manchester United was mutually terminated in November. He would reportedly make about £177 million annually under the terms of the pact.

The 37-year-old was introduced to his new team last week, but he is still serving an FA punishment. The penalty is in regards for snatching a fan's phone after Man United's away loss to Everton in April.

On Friday, Ronaldo completed the first of his two-game suspension. Thus, sitting in the locker room to watch Al-Nassr defeat Al-Ta'ee 2-0 at home in the Saudi Pro League. Ronaldo might play for an exhibition team made up of Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal players against PSG in Riyadh on January 19. This will be before making his Al-Nassr debut three days later against Ettifaq, according to Garcia, who has now confirmed the news.

As quoted by L'Equipe, Garcia told reporters:

"It won't be with the Al-Nassr jersey. It will be a mix between Al Hilal and Al Nassr."

"As the coach of Al-Nassr, I cannot be happy with this match. For development, to see PSG, to see the great Parisian players, indeed it is a good thing. But we have a championship game three days later."

"In terms of scheduling, it could have been better thought out. But it's not a big deal... We are in the lead, we are happy. It is a difficult championship to win, but we intend to do it."

Garcia has also emphasised the importance of his role in assisting Ronaldo in rediscovering his passion for the game and has compared the transfer of the renowned forward to Pele's entrance at the New York Cosmos in 1975.

"The only thing I want is for him to enjoy playing football again and smile," the 58-year-old coach added. "In recent months, between Manchester United, the national team and also at a private level, he has not had easy moments. If he finds the pleasure of playing again, a good goal will be achieved."

"[Ronaldo's move is] a bit like Pele's arrival, especially for the development of football, sport and culture in Saudi Arabia. It's great. Great for us, for Al-Nassr. Great for Saudi Arabia."

"Cristiano Ronaldo is more than a player. He is one of the best players in the world. It's amazing how much it's put a spotlight on our club. Now everyone knows where our club is around the world."

"We must have gone from 800,000 to 10 million [followers] in a few hours, a few days, because of Cristiano's arrival."

Winning the Ballon d'Or five times Ronaldo, who has competed against Messi on multiple times throughout his 20-year club career in Europe, is ready to rekindle his friendship with the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner in the Middle East.

The two footballing legends had quite different seasons; Messi guided Argentina to World Cup victory in Qatar, while Ronaldo's Man United career ended following a nasty interview with Piers Morgan.

Messi recently made a brief return to PSG after taking a long hiatus, and he may make his competitive debut for the Ligue 1 champions against Angers on Wednesday.

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