Cristiano Ronaldo facing Saudi investigation over obscene gesture after Lionel Messi taunts

Cristiano Ronaldo is set to be the subject of an investigation after appearing to make an obscene gesture in response to Lionel Messi chants at a Saudi Pro League game.

The Portugal international opened the scoring for Al Nassr in Sunday's 3-2 victory over Al Shadab, with a second-half brace from Anderson Talisca securing all three points.

At full-time, fans could be heard shouting 'Messi' — a long-time Ballon d'Or rival for Ronaldo during his time in European football — and videos on social media captured the former Real Madrid, Manchester United and Juventus forward's reaction.

The 39-year-old was seen cupping his hand in the direction of Al Shadab supporters before repeatedly pumping his hand in front of his pelvic area.

Saudi newspaper Asharq al-Awsat claim the country's national football federation (SAFF) has opened an investigation, with some pundits from the region believing Ronaldo should receive a punishment despite his high-profile status among Saudi Pro League recruits in recent years.

It's not the first time a lewd physical showing from Ronaldo has landed him in hot water.

He appeared to grab his genitals on his way to the dugout at the end of a 2-0 defeat to Al Hilal in April, while he shoved a scarf of the same team down his shorts and then threw it away after Al Nassr lost 2-0 in the Riyadh Season Cup final.

While Ronaldo is the current leading goalscorer in this season's Saudi Pro League with 22 strikes, his Al Nassr side sit seven points behind Al Hilal at the top of the table.

The four-time Ballon d'Or winner will be eyeing up another goal or two on Thursday when his side face Al Hazem, who sit last in Saudi Arabia's top flight with just 14 points from 21 games.

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