Cristiano Ronaldo’s ‘first game since moving to Saudi Arabia could see him face Lionel Messi’

Cristiano Ronaldo’s first game since moving to Saudi Arabia could see him face off against nemesis Lionel Messi.

Ronaldo officially joined Al-Nassr in early January following his acrimonious departure from Manchester United but he is yet to make his debut for his new club.

Portugal star Ronaldo could appear for a team that includes a mix of players from Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal who take on PSG in a friendly in Riyadh on January 19, The Guardian reports.

Cristiano Ronaldo could face Lionel Messi in his first game since moving to Saudi Arabia

The 37-year-old has been banned for two games by the FA after smashing the phone of an Everton fan last year.

As a result, Ronaldo missed out on Al-Nassr’s 2-0 win over Al-Tai and won’t be able to play against Al-Shabab either.

Ronaldo’s first competitive game for Al-Nassr is expected to come on January 22 against Ettifaq.

Ronaldo could play for a team of Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal players in a friendly against PSG

Ronaldo and Messi have often been compared in their careers

Ronaldo could face Messi in the friendly against PSG, although it remains to be seen if the latter will be involved in the game.

Al-Nassr coach Rudi Garcia expressed his disappointment with the planning of the friendly.

As reported by L’Equipe, Garcia said: “It [Ronaldo’s debut] not with the Al-Nassr jersey. As manager of Al-Nassr I cannot be satisfied with this game. For development, to see PSG, to see the great Parisian players is indeed a good thing. But three days later we have a league game.

“It could have been better thought out in terms of planning. But that’s no big deal… We lead, we’re satisfied. It’s a difficult championship to win but we aim to do it.’

Ronaldo is yet to make his official debut for Al-Nassr due to a suspension

The Portuguese star joined Al-Nassr following his acrimonious departure from Manchester United

Al-Nassr can finally register Ronaldo after terminating Vincent Aboubakar’s contract.

Saudi league rules state that clubs can only register up to eight foreign players per squad.

Ronaldo, who is set to earn £175m-a-year at Al-Nassr, has been hard at the gym while awaiting his debut for his new club.

Throughout his career, Ronaldo has often been compared to Messi, especially when they played for Real Madrid and Barcelona respectively.

Messi has won the Ballon d’Or seven times while Ronaldo has won it five times.