Ronaldo Gets Hero's Welcome Where Messi Is Hated As Al Nassr Beat Al Ittihad In Saudi Super Cup

Last Updated:August 20, 2025, 00:00 IST

Cristiano Ronaldo got a hero's welcome in Hong Kong, helping Al Nassr win 2-1 in the Saudi Super Cup. This contrasts with Lionel Messi's negative reception last year.

Cristiano Ronaldo in Hong Kong as Al Nassr beat Al Ittihad2-1 in the Saudi Super Cup (X)

Cristiano Ronaldo received a hero’s welcome on Tuesday as he played a key role for Saudi side Al Nassr in Hong Kong. This contrasted sharply with the reception Lionel Messi faced last year when he failed to play, turning him into public enemy number one.

The 40-year-old former Manchester United and Real Madrid star Ronaldo assisted in a 2-1 Saudi Super Cup victory over Al Ittihad, which featured French veteran Karim Benzema up front. From the moment Ronaldo came out to warm up on the hot and humid evening in southern China, chants of “Ronaldo, Ronaldo" filled the air, while several pitch invaders attempted to reach the superstar as the match concluded.

What Happened In Al Nassr Vs Al Ittihad In Saudi Super Cup?

Every touch of the ball by the Portuguese captain, donned in his iconic number seven shirt, was met with cheers. This warm reception was in stark contrast to the angry reaction Messi received when he stayed on the bench for an Inter Miami friendly at the same Hong Kong Stadium in February last year. Messi’s absence led to boos and demands for refunds from thousands of fans who had paid significant amounts to see the World Cup-winning captain play. Although the 38-year-old Messi claimed he was injured, this explanation failed to prevent a dramatic fallout, which resulted in China cancelling two friendly matches featuring Argentina. Some nationalist politicians and media outlets in China interpreted Messi’s absence, along with his subsequent appearance at a similar match in Japan, as a deliberate snub.

For over 15 years, Messi and Ronaldo have competed for the unofficial title of the world’s best player, with the Argentine often considered to have the edge in recent years. Nevertheless, both remain immensely popular and marketable, even as their careers approach the twilight. Fans camped outside Ronaldo’s hotel in Hong Kong to catch a glimpse of him, with some even booking rooms in his hotel. A museum dedicated to Ronaldo opened in the city last month. Local media reported that Ronaldo was “emotional" when informed about the local interest, particularly from younger fans, during a brief appearance at the museum. He expressed that the fans’ admiration meant more to him than any trophy.

Former Liverpool attacker Sadio Mane put Al Nassr ahead before Al Ittihad quickly equalised. Mane was sent off after 25 minutes following a VAR review. Ronaldo had a couple of close chances six minutes before halftime but was thwarted on both occasions, later sending a free-kick narrowly over the bar. He set up the winning goal by breaking clear of the Al Ittihad defence and passing to fellow Portuguese Joao Felix, a new signing from Chelsea, who then scored.

As Ronaldo was substituted in the final minute, a young fan wearing a “7 Ronaldo" shirt invaded the pitch but was stopped by security before managing to take a selfie with him. After the final whistle, two more young fans attempted to reach Ronaldo but were subdued by security.

(With inputs from AFP)

Ritayan Basu

Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes on cricket content, ha...Read More

Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes on cricket content, ha...

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Hong Kong

First Published:

August 19, 2025, 23:57 IST

News sports Ronaldo Gets Hero's Welcome Where Messi Is Hated As Al Nassr Beat Al Ittihad In Saudi Super Cup

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