3 Reasons Why Al Hilal Will Dominate Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami & Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr at the Riyadh Season Cup

Headlined as the clash of titans, the Riyadh Season Cup might land in the native’s lap. Amid the growing spotlight on Cristiano Ronaldo-led Al Nassr and Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami, the Saudi table topper might end up clinching the championship.

This is despite that their star player Neymar remains out injured for the rest of the season. Let’s take a look at the three reasons why the Blue Waves could dominate the tournament.

1. Al Nassr dealing with the Cristiano Ronaldo injury and missing Sadio Mane

Al Nassr’s tour of China has been in the news for all the wrong reasons. The whole tour was postponed because star player Cristiano Ronaldo was not physically fit for both the friendlies. Hence, the Knights of Najd returned without playing any games. Despite having a break, the 38-year-old forward has not trained with the team after suffering the injury. Hence, the availability of the five-time Ballon d’Or for the Riyadh Season remains a huge question.

Another problem that has added to the troubles of the Saudi giants is the unavailability of their other star forward Sadio Mane. Despite his lack of goals, he has been a very important part of the team. However, the 31-year-old will certainly miss the Riyadh Season because of the African Cup of Nations. He will play for the Senegal national team as they face Ivory Coast in the round of 16.

2. The unusual start to the season for Lionel Messi and Inter Miami’s defensive problems

The goal-scoring start Lionel Messi made for Inter Miami after his arrival in the second half of the season left fans excited. However, despite the signing of his former teammate Luis Suarez, the Herons have been lackluster in front of goal. La Pulga and the team have failed to score in both the friendlies. Manager Tata Martino has also acknowledged the problem.

Another problem remains Inter Miami has yet to improve its defense. Hence, questions remain about whether the defenders of the MLS side can perform well against in-form Al Hilal star forward Aleksandr Mitrovic.

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3.  The backing of the home crowd for Al Hilal that has helped them this season

The support from the fans has been one of the biggest reasons for the brilliant form of the Blue Waves. It has helped them remain top of the Saudi league and they are yet to lose a game this season.

The crowd in the Kingdom Arena will be fired up again for the games against arch-rivals Al Nassr and Inter Miami. So, it will be interesting what the Al Hilal fans have in store.

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It will be interesting whether the Blue Waves can take advantage of all the factors. Who do you think will win the Riyadh Season Cup? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.