The dynamic narrative of an ongoing soccer drama appears to have come full circle. Over recent months, Cristiano Ronaldo frequently found himself the recipient of Lionel Messi-inspired chants from opposing Saudi Arabia fans. However, in a surprising twist in today’s Riyad Season Cup match between Al Hilal and Inter Miami, it was the Argentine who faced mimicry of his Portuguese rival’s iconic post-scoring celebration performed by his opposition.

The highly anticipated clash between Inter Miami and Al Hilal has finally arrived. Notably, from the onset, allegiances were heavily skewed towards the Riyadh-based club, a fact underscored by their impressive opening lead with a scoreline of 2-0 in favor. Nevertheless, moments before half-time signaled an interruption in smooth play replete with potency for stirring drama.

Al Hilal star pulls a “Siu” on Lionel Messi

In a moment of striking skill, Luis Suarez netted a successful goal that placed the score at 2-1. Yet just before the first half concluded, Michael from Al Hilal scored the team’s third with an impressively executed header goal. The Brazilian player’s subsequent triumph was celebrated quite uncommonly. He directed his joy toward the corner flag and proceeded to mimic Cristiano Ronaldo’s famed ‘Siu’ celebration.

Given the well-known tension between Al Hilal and Al Nassr, speculations are bound to arise regarding Michael’s decision to adopt this celebratory gesture associated with a rival team’s star athlete. However, considering Lionel Messi’s significant involvement in the stated match, any conjecture around such motivation can be reasonably deduced.

Saudi Arabia’s soccer realm has become a mirror reflecting the rivalry between the two soccer greats. It was vividly emphasized in 2022, following Argentina’s World Cup match defeat to Saudi Arabia. Numerous Saudi fans in a subsequent viral video replicated CR7’s iconic Siu celebration.

Ironically, this seemingly antagonistic sentiment extends toward both sides of this celebrated athletic competition. Ronaldo himself experienced echoes of his famed adversary through chants lauding Lionel Messi during his tenure with Al Nassr, emanating from none other than the local supporters.

That time Cristiano Ronaldo got drowned in ‘Messi’ chants

Within the first year of his arrival in Saudi Arabia, Cristiano Ronaldo has frequently found himself at the receiving end of intense heat from opposing fans. It was particularly evident during fixtures where derisive chants involving Lionel Messi were fiercely directed at him. A notable instance occurred in December’s Al Nassr Saudi Professional League match against Al Hilal.

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During the match, a significant portion of rival supporters audibly ridiculed Ronaldo by chanting La Pulga’s name. This occurrence repeated itself soon afterward during a game against Al Shabab. Without question, these episodes have contributed to further solidifying what is already viewed as an epoch-making rivalry between two legendary players.

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