Riyadh Season Cup 2024 – Rules, Format, History, Location, Stadiums, Schedule & More

Forget the sands, Riyadh is preparing for a tango of soccer. In a spectacle, dubbed ‘The Last Dance,’ Lionel Messi & Cristiano Ronaldo are set to take the stage one last time at the 2024 Riyadh Season Cup. A mere friendly tournament, but the allure of watching the Messi-Ronaldo battle has elevated fans’ anticipation. The Riyadh Season Cup welcomes Inter Miami, Al Nassr, and Al Hilal in a three-way duel. But it is more than a tournament, a said-to-be final duel between two legends who have redefined the beautiful game’s artistry.

Let’s delve into the intricacies of the 2024 Riyadh Season Cup, from its unique format to the history of the competition.

What is the Riyadh Season Cup?

Imagine a winter carnival of sports and entertainment, and you have Riyadh Season. Born in 2019, this event was initially a celebration of various sports, with soccer playing a supportive role. However, the soccer world took notice when last year, Lionel Messi’s PSG clashed with Saudi All-Stars led by Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Tyson Fury and Francis Ngannou’s fight, along with major soccer events like Supercopa de Espana, Supercoppa Italiana, and the Turkish Super Cup became integral parts of Riyadh Season this year. Now to mark an end to this year’s gala, ‘The Last Dance’ is under the spotlight. But what will be the format for this upcoming friendly tournament between Saudi’s finest and Inter Miami?

How does the Riyadh Season Cup work?

The 2024 Riyadh Season Cup boasts a captivating lineup with three formidable teams – Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr, Messi’s Inter Miami, and Neymar’s Al Hilal. While Neymar is set to miss the anticipated tournament due to the injury, the format undergoes an interesting change this year. Switching from the conventional one-legged tie between Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal, the tournament has become a trio showdown. In a round-robin league format, each team will battle each other, and the highest point scorer will claim the title.

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It serves as a pre-season fixture for Inter Miami as they gear up for the 2024 MLS season. Whereas, for Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal, it is set to be a mid-season friendly game as they gear up for the return of the Saudi Pro League.

Schedule for the tournament

Mark your calendars, as the Riyadh Season Cup kicks off on Monday, January 29, 2024, with Inter Miami facing Al-Hilal for their first game at King Fahd Stadium. Then, in a clash that will undoubtedly break the internet, Inter Miami and Al-Nassr will lock horns on February 1st at Al Awwal Park. The final leg of the tournament will be an all-Saudi affair between Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr, taking place on February 8th.

All matches kick off at 6:00 PM GMT, ensuring soccer fans across the globe can tune in and be part of this epic event.

How to watch?

For fans in the United States and the United Kingdom, the 2024 Riyadh Season Cup can be savored on the MLS Season Pass on Apple TV. Beyond North America, the season cup can be witnessed through DAZN. There’s no official confirmation yet for the broadcast of Al-Nassr vs Al-Hilal showdown.

So, make some changes to your appointments and schedules, the beautiful game’s faithful. Saudi Arabia is set to witness a spectacle. For one night, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are set to reignite their rivalry, reminding fans why they are the GOATs of the game. The Last Dance?

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