Al-Nassr - Inter Miami: will Cristiano Ronaldo play in the match against Messi? What is his injury?

It’s the superstar match-up we thought we’d never witness again, and the former Real Madrid star’s fitness has it in doubt.

The Riyadh Season Cup may not have captured the world’s imagination but the idea of a potential clash between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi sparks enough memories of those iconic meetings between Real Madrid and Barcelona to whet the appetite. Their current teams, Al Nassr and Inter Miami, may be a far cry from the levels of before, but seeing both legends on the same field in opposing colours will still be something to behold.

All that said, uncertainty lingers over Ronaldo’s fitness to play in this game, but everything possible is being done to get him ready. Al Nassr, having returned to Saudi Arabia last Friday, faced setbacks with the cancellation of two China-bound friendlies, a consequence of Ronaldo’s lingering calf injury, prompting their postponement to a later date. This high-profile contest against Messi, Suárez and co. on Thursday 1 February is now the focus.

Amidst the doubts, the little we’ve seen of Ronaldo suggests he’s upbeat. While nothing has been officially confirmed, reports from Arab media outlets, including Arabic Sports, suggest a promising turn of events. Unsurprising given the attention the game is garnering.

Sources indicate that the 38-year-old is with his teammates at training, and slowly getting himself into shape to grace the field against the MLS team on Thursday. Official confirmation of him taking his place in the starting XI, however, will have to wait until nearer kick-off. For their part, Messi, Suárez and Jordi Alba are all expected to be included from the off.