The imminent ‘Last Dance’ between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo may be just around the corner, yet devoted fans have received a disheartening update. It has been confirmed that the Portuguese striker will be absent from the Riyad Season Cup match between Al Nassr and Inter Miami because of his escalating injury concern.

Not too long ago, after Al Nassr canceled their China-friendly tour in response to CR7’s injury, there was hopeful news suggesting that Ronaldo might still compete against Lionel Messi. However, this prospect is now fully extinguished.

The latest injury update on Cristiano Ronaldo

Recent dispatches from Saudi media reveal that Cristiano Ronaldo was notably absent from team training preceding the clash with Inter Miami. Instead of training with the rest of the squad, the 5x Ballon d’Or winner undertook individual exercises utilizing physical equipment. It means the striker remains in rejuvenation mode following a muscle injury sustained two weeks prior.

Evidently, the soon-to-be 39-year-old is adopting a slow and steady recovery strategy reflective of his rhythm. It constitutes disappointing news for avid fans who have keenly anticipated seeing these stellar athletes share the playing field since the initial match announcement back in December. Given Ronaldo’s current condition, it remains uncertain whether he’ll be able to perform during the Riyadh Season Cup 3rd match against Al Hilal on February 8th.

Most likely, Al Nassr may adopt an approach focused on preserving their captain’s health so that he can return robustly to play at peak performance for the AFC Champions League Round of 16 matches slated against Al Feiha on February 14th. Regarding the rivalry between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, one cannot help but wonder if there will be another ‘Last Dance’.

Maybe not now, but another ‘Last Dance’ is still possible

The term ‘Last Dance’ has been in circulation for several years. Due to the extensive global attention both players command, teams often leverage this dynamic as a marketing strategy. It was notable last year when PSG competed against a combined team of Al Nassr and Al Hilal. A similar situation has happened now in the Riyadh Season Cup.

Dive Deeper: Scuffled With Lionel Messi in Qatar, Aziz Behich Now Teammates With Cristiano Ronaldo at Al Nassr

Given their enduring rivalry, there is potential for further instances of this phenomenon. Possibly even during the Club World Cup event. Both Inter Miami and Al Nassr are set to play in the CONCACAF Champions League and Asian Champions League, respectively. Should both sides emerge victorious, we may once again witness Messi and Ronaldo engage on a grand-scale platform.

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What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments.