Cristiano Ronaldo could make debut against Messi’s PSG

• Cristiano Ronaldo could make his Saudi Arabian debut against Lionel Messi’s Paris Saint-Germain.
  
• He would be a member of an all-star XI between AL Hilal and Al Nassr.
• The game will be played on January 19.

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

Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr on a contract until June 2025 after Manchester United mutually terminated his contract in November. He will reportedly earn around £177 million per year.

The 37-year-old was unveiled at his new club last week, but he is currently serving an FA suspension for knocking a phone out of the hand of a supporter following Man United’s defeat away to Everton in April.

Ronaldo is still Serving FA Ban.

Al Nassr unveil their New Forward Ronaldo.|PHOTO: Sky Sports|

Ronaldo served the first of his two-game ban on Friday, watching from the bench as Al-Nassr defeated Al-Ta’ee 2-0 at home in the Saudi Pro League.

Garcia has since confirmed that Ronaldo will play for an Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal exhibition team against PSG in Riyadh on January 19 before making his Al-Nassr debut three days later against Ettifaq.

Garcia told reporters, as reported by L’Equipe: “It’s not going to happen with the Al-Nassr jersey. It will be a hybrid of Al Hilal and Al Nassr.”

“As Al Nassr’s coach, I am dissatisfied with the outcome of this game. To see PSG and the great Parisian players is a good thing for development. However, there is a championship game three days later.”

“It could have been better planned in terms of scheduling. But it’s not that big of a deal… We are pleased because we are in the lead. It will be a difficult championship to win, but we are determined to do so.”

Garcia has also talked up his role in helping Ronaldo rediscover his love for football, comparing the transfer to Pele’s arrival at the American club New York Cosmos in 1975.

I want him to enjoy playing football again.

Ronaldo with Ruud.|PHOTO: FourFourTwo|

“All I want is for him to smile and enjoy playing football again,” the 58-year-old coach added. “He has had difficult times in recent months, juggling Manchester United, the national team, and his personal life. A good goal will be achieved if he rediscovers the joy of playing.

“[Ronaldo’s move] is reminiscent of Pele’s arrival, particularly regarding the development of football, sport, and culture in Saudi Arabia. It’s fantastic. Excellent news for Al-Nassr and us. Excellent news for Saudi Arabia.

“Cristiano Ronaldo is more than just a footballer. He is regarded as one of the best players in the world. It’s incredible how much attention it’s brought to our club. Everyone in the world now knows where our club is.

“With Cristiano’s arrival, we must have gone from 800,000 to 10 million [followers] in a matter of hours or days.”

Five-time winner of the Ballon d’Or Ronaldo, a seven-time Ballon d’Or winner, is set to renew acquaintances with Messi in the Middle East, having previously faced the Argentine on several occasions during his 20-year club career in Europe.

The two footballing legends had contrasting seasons, with Ronaldo’s Manchester United career ending after a scathing interview with Piers Morgan and Messi leading Argentina to the World Cup.