Cristiano Ronaldo Faces 'Messi' Chants Following Saudi Pro League Loss

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In the Riyadh Derby on Friday, Cristiano Ronaldo faced a chorus of "Messi, Messi, Messi!" chants from jubilant Al Hilal fans as they celebrated their Saudi Pro League team's 3-0 victory over Ronaldo's Al Nassr.

Despite finishing on the losing side, with Aleksandar Mitrovic scoring twice and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic opening for Al Hilal, Ronaldo remained the center of attention in Saudi Arabian football.

The Riyadh Derby, held at the King Fahd International Stadium, marked the last game at the arena for three years as it undergoes renovations for the 2027 Asian Cup and anticipated 2034 World Cup.

Ronaldo's move to Al Nassr in December has significantly impacted Saudi football. The Portuguese star had scored 15 goals in the previous 14 league games, helping Al Nassr secure the second spot in the league behind Al Hilal.

His teammates now include Sadio Mane, Marcelo Brozovic, and Alex Telles. Even fans of Al Hilal, acknowledging Ronaldo's impact, pointed out the football great to their children, signifying his widespread influence.

Al Nassr coach Luis Castro praised Ronaldo as an example of rigor, ambition, and discipline. He emphasized that Ronaldo's work ethic sets him apart, noting that while many aspire to be like him, few are willing to put in the same level of effort.

In the Riyadh Derby, Ronaldo tried everything to turn the game in Al Nassr's favor, including a disallowed volley and claims of being fouled in the penalty area.

Al Hilal has its own star player in Neymar, but the Brazilian is currently less influential due to a serious injury suffered while on international duty in October.

Despite the derby defeat, Al Nassr remains seven points behind league leader Al Hilal after 15 rounds. Ronaldo's exceptional form suggests he could play a crucial role in Al Nassr's pursuit of their 10th league title.

In the Italian Serie A, Juventus secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Monza, propelling them to the top of the league. After almost the entire game leading 1-0, Monza's Valentín Carboni equalized in injury time. However, Juventus responded swiftly, with Federico Gatti scoring the winner three minutes later. The result, combined with Juventus' unbeaten run in nine league games, places them ahead of Inter Milan by one point.

Ronaldo's situation in Saudi Arabia and Juventus' triumph in Serie A showcase the enduring impact of the football superstar on both domestic and international stages, contributing to the excitement and dynamics of the respective leagues.