Cristiano Ronaldo scored two goals in his first game in Saudi Arabia since signing for Al Nassr.
The Portuguese international led the Saudi All Star XI in a friendly fixture against Paris Saint Germain in Riyadh.
The European giants won 5-4, with both Lionel Messi – Ronaldo’s long-time rival – and Kylian Mbappe also on the scoresheet.
It was a huge occassion for Saudi Arabia, with the match an entertaining prospect for the first hour. Messi scored in the first few minutes, Ronaldo won a penalty to equalise.
The Portuguese would equalise again to even out Marquinhos’ goal, before PSG took control in the second, thanks to a Kylian Mbappe penalty. The Frenchman was, by far, the best player on the night.
- Photo caption: Cristiano Ronaldo playing for a combined XI of Saudi Arabian teams Al Nassr and Al Hilal is flanked by PSG’s Lionel Messi and his teammate Neymar during a friendly soccer match, at the King Saud University Stadium, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Thursday, Jan. 19, 2023. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla)