Al Nassr Dominates Inter Miami 6-0 in Riyadh Showdown; Ronaldo’s Absence Overshadows Messi’s Late Entry

In a stunning display of dominance, Al Nassr routed Inter Miami 6-0 in a highly anticipated friendly held in Riyadh. The much-hyped showdown between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi was derailed as Ronaldo sat out due to a calf injury, with Messi making a late substitute appearance.

The Brazilian standout, Talisca, emerged as the star of the match with a remarkable hat-trick. Al Nassr wasted no time asserting their superiority, with Talisca finding the net twice within the first 12 minutes. The opening goal, courtesy of Otavio, capitalized on Miami’s failed attempt to play out from the back, earning applause from Ronaldo in the stands.

Aymeric Laporte added to the spectacle with a sensational long-range free-kick that caught Miami’s goalkeeper off guard. Talisca continued his goal-scoring spree with a second from the penalty spot shortly after halftime, and Mohammed Maran’s looping header further compounded Inter Miami’s misery.

Despite the presence of seasoned players like Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba, Inter Miami struggled against Al Nassr’s superior side. Talisca completed his hat-trick, even mimicking Ronaldo’s signature celebration, emphasizing the stark contrast in class between the two teams.

The late entry of Lionel Messi into the match for the final seven minutes had minimal impact, with Inter Miami already trailing by an insurmountable six-goal margin.

As Inter Miami shifts its focus to the upcoming MLS season starting on February 21, the team faces the daunting task of regrouping after this humbling defeat. The global pre-season tour, with stops in Asia, provides a crucial opportunity for adjustments and improvements before the official campaign commences. The glaring difference in quality witnessed in Riyadh underscores the challenges ahead for Inter Miami as they strive to make a significant impact in the upcoming MLS season.