9 months ago
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Lionel Messi and Inter Miami undoubtedly came away with their pockets filled from a lucrative trip to Saudi Arabia, but they didn’t have much else.
The David Beckham-owned MLS side lost a friendly against Saudi Pro League leaders Al Hilal 4-3, and then were humiliated against Cristiano Ronadlo’s Al Nassr.
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The game was billed as ‘The Last Dance’ between Messi and Ronaldo, but didn’t live up to its billing with Ronaldo injured and Messi benched.
Fans paid up to £8,840 for tickets as per SeatPick, and just to stream the game they had to fork out £14.
Yet despite those at the Kingdom Arena being left gutted to see no final face-off, they were still given plenty of entertainment.
Al Nassr obliterated their American opponents 6-0, taking a 3-0 lead after just 12 minutes.
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During the humiliation former Manchester City defender Aymeric Laporte scored from his own half, while long-time Al Nassr star Talisca bagged a hat-trick and whipped out Ronaldo’s iconic ‘SIUUU’ celebration.
Ronaldo watched on with sheer glee from a corporate box, amid the backdrop of reports that he’s looking to sign a new contract in Riyadh.
For Messi though, he must have been wondering what he was doing there, with manager Tata Martino opting to bring him on at 6-0 down with eight minutes to play.
The World Cup-winning captain looked rather sheepish as Miami put in yet another dire display despite their high-profile signing of Luis Suarez added to Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets.
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Last season saw Beckham’s side stage their worst season since they joined MLS, and there’s fears that things won’t get any better this term.
