Indonesia Planning To Host Cristiano Ronaldo in Friendly Match After Lionel Messi’s Snub, Taking Cue From Hong Kong’s Decision

Soccer is all about seizing opportunities and engaging fans. And it appears that Al Nassr has grabbed a better portion of Asia after Cristiano Ronaldo’s revolution in the Saudi pro league. Despite his heroics on the world stage, Lionel Messi slowly seems to be giving away some of his supporters to his archrival. Reports now suggest that the Portuguese captain is getting appreciable demand in Indonesia, thanks to Leo’s injury woes last year.

The Knights of Najd haven’t stopped getting players after acquiring Cristiano Ronaldo. The club’s aim to reach fans across borders is turning fruitful. According to Extra Time Indonesia, Al Nassr CEO Guido Fienga and Indonesian Minister of Youth and Sports Dito Ariotedjo discussed the prospects for the Saudi club to play friendlies in the islands. In addition, there are proposals to consider worthy Indonesian soccer players to join Al Nassr in the future.

Meanwhile, the decision comes after Lionel Messi missed a chance to entertain fans last year. The World Champions played a couple of friendlies last year in Australia and Indonesia. However, despite appearing against Australia in China, the superstar was absent from the Indonesia match, leaving over 60,000 fans heartbroken. Subsequently, the supporters called out the organizers, claiming they used Messi’s name as a marketing gimmick to increase ticket sales.

Moreover, Messi’s recent Hong Kong snub further increased fans’ fury, who turned up in sold-out numbers to see the 36-year-old. Inter Miami played a pre-season friendly against Honk Kong’s national team in February. Yet, Leo followed a similar pattern, missing the game but appearing for the following one in Japan. However, this led to a greater outrage from the crowd, and Argentina’s friendly tour of China this year was canceled. And the opportunity is now presented to his counterpart.

Cristiano Ronaldo to cash in on Hong Kong tour after Messi’s misfortune

Despite citing his hamstring injury as the reason for his absence, the people in Hong Kong and China did not excuse Inter Miami’s captain. After claiming a refund for the tickets, reports suggest Cristiano Ronaldo and Al Nassr are now targeted to play friendlies in January 2025. It is claimed that the plan revolves around the possibility of the striker playing in Shenzen, which is close to Hing Kong again next January.

On the other hand, Al Nassr also had to cancel its China tour because of a calf injury to CR7 earlier this year. Nevertheless, since Ronaldo did not play in other games, the uproar did not reach the level of Hong Kong fans. Hence, it looks like Messi’s loss and Ronaldo’s gain. And whether the plan would be fruitful, only time will tell.