The friendly had been billed ‘The Last Dance’, with the two football legends set to clash on the pitch for probably the final time in their illustrious careers. However, to the disappointment of fans in the Middle East, neither icon was available. Just before the game, it was confirmed Messi would miss out too after picking up a minor knock in another friendly against Al-Hilal.
Now the teen sensation is taking his talents around the UK and Europe as he faces the big boys in the Premier League. Venues will be packed out to see the new darting icon take on the biggest names in the sport – Luke Humphries, Michael van Gerwin, Michael Smith, Rob Cross, Gerwyn Price, Peter Wright, and Nathan Aspinall over the next few months. Our special Premier League preview charts Littler’s astronomic rise, turns the spotlight on his rivals for the coveted title, includes an exclusive column from James Wade, interviews with legends of the game, current Premier League players, and PDC chairman Eddie Hearn – and it tells you everything you need to know about the tournament.
And it was the home side who coped far better without their talisman as Al-Nassr put the game to bed inside the first 12 minutes. Octavio opened the scoring in the third minute with Talisca doubling the lead on 10 minutes. Meanwhile, Ronaldo could be seen looking relaxed while having a lively conversation with someone nearby.
After that torrid start, it got no better for Miami, who eventually went down 6-0 with Talisca completing his hat-trick, while Mohammed Maran also got on the scoresheet. “I received news that Messi would not play,” Alalshikh, an advisor to the country’s Royal Court under the rank of Minister, told beIN Sports. He added: “He saw that Cristiano was absent and was afraid that he would lose against Al Nassr without Ronaldo.
He would stumble and walk away. He said, ‘Let me go’.”
