The mere mention of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi ignites a firestorm of debates. Their names and rivalry have become synonymous with greatness. So, when news breaks of their potential clash, headlines scream ‘GOAT showdown!’ The picture is once again the same, as Inter Miami and Al-Nassr gear up for an exhibition clash in Riyadh Season Cup on February 1. But amidst the frenzy, Messi’s Miami teammate, Julian Gressel, has offered a perspective that might surprise the fanbase.

The Inter Miami midfielder has thrown cold water on the Messi-Ronaldo clash narrative, suggesting that the media paints a picture grander than reality. As the buzz among fans grows for the upcoming clash, let’s delve deeper into Gressel’s comments.

Gressel’s bold revelation on Lionel Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo showdown

Julian Gressel, who is a two-time MLS champion, was signed by Inter Miami recently, ahead of their new season. The versatile midfielder is an important figure at the USMNT as well. Speaking ahead of Inter Miami’s pre-season tour, the 30-year-old midfielder discussed the anticipation surrounding Messi and Ronaldo showdown. While acknowledging the greatness of the Messi-Ronaldo rivalry, Gressel boldly asserted that the media tends to exaggerate the significance of these clashes.

“The matchup against [Al Nassr] I mean, everybody always talks about Messi or Ronaldo and all those types of things. So, I think the media hypes it up a little bit more than probably everybody else or we us within the club and then within the team,” Gressel claimed. The USMNT star’s statement challenges the notion surrounding the rivalry between Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi.

Gressel seems to downplay the ‘hyped’ rivalry, as he emphasized that the club’s focus remains on the game against Al-Nassr completely. As fans are counting down the days to witness the ‘last dance,’ Julian Gressel’s candid remarks inject a dose of reality into the narrative. It’ll surely prompt enthusiasts to think about the hype surrounding the mega clashes, and whether it truly resonates with the player’s as well.

Messi & Ronaldo gear up for the upcoming season

The 38th clash between the ‘GOATs’ will take place little more than a year after a combined Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr side lost 5-4 to Messi’s PSG. Messi scored once, whereas Cristiano Ronaldo secured a brace in the match. The Riyadh Season Cup clash between Inter Miami and Al Nassr will come after the game against Al-Hilal on January 29th.

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For the Cristiano Ronaldo-led Al-Nassr side, the clash will be a mid-season friendly. As the Saudi Pro League is enjoying a winter break due to international competitions, the clash will come as a warm-up for the remainder of the season.

As the Riyadh showdown nears, all eyes will be on Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Despite Gressel’s revelation, fans will be cheering up for their stars ahead of the clash. But it is important to remember that this game, like any other, is about more than just two superstars.

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