Introduction: Disputed Riyadh Season Cup Participation
Inter Miami, the MLS team featuring Lionel Messi, finds itself entangled in controversy as it refutes claims of participating in the Riyadh Season Cup in Saudi Arabia next February.
The conflicting statements emerged just hours after a promoter announced matchups involving Inter Miami, Al Nassr led by Cristiano Ronaldo, and another game against Al-Hilal.
Denial of Pre-season Tour Plans
In a statement released by Inter Miami, the team categorically denied any confirmation of pre-season tour plans, particularly the Riyadh Season Cup.
The club clarified that the earlier announcement, which included statements attributed to team owner Jorge Mas, was inaccurate.
Messi vs. Ronaldo Rematch: Too Good to be True
The much-anticipated matchup between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in the Riyadh Season Cup has proven to be too good to be true.
Inter Miami’s statement emphasized that team owner Jorge Mas has made no comments, publicly or privately, regarding the pre-season tour, debunking the Messi vs. Ronaldo rematch speculation.
Global Branding and Future Plans
From its inception, Inter Miami has aimed to establish itself as a global brand. The statement highlighted ongoing conversations to determine the pre-season schedule for 2024. Inter Miami expressed its commitment to becoming a global presence and hinted at an upcoming announcement regarding the team’s first international tour.
Recent Setbacks and Forward-looking Approach
The disputed Riyadh Season Cup adds to recent setbacks for Inter Miami, including the cancellation of a planned trip to China due to unforeseen circumstances.
Despite the challenges, the club remains forward-looking, emphasizing its dedication to showcasing players on the upcoming international tour, details of which will be unveiled in the coming weeks.
Messi’s World Cup Triumph and Ronaldo’s Past Saudi Appearance
As the speculation around the Riyadh Season Cup swirls, the article briefly touches on Lionel Messi’s recent World Cup triumph with Argentina.
Additionally, it recalls Cristiano Ronaldo’s previous appearance in Saudi Arabia last January, where he played for Al Nassr in a Riyadh All-Star XI against a Paris Saint-Germain side featuring Messi, Neymar, Mbappe, and Ramos.