When Al Nassr faced off against Inter Miami on February 1, 2024, football enthusiasts around the globe eagerly anticipated the clash between two living legends, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. Ronaldo, having joined Al Nassr in 2023 after the termination of his contract with Manchester United, had already made headlines by claiming the title of the highest goal scorer in 2023, outshining Erling Haaland and Harry Kane. On the flip side, Messi, fresh off winning his 8th Ballon d'Or and leading Argentina to World Cup glory, had transformed Inter Miami from the bottom of the MLS table to unprecedented heights since joining in July last year.

However, the highly-anticipated showdown took an unexpected turn when Cristiano Ronaldo, nursing an injury, could not feature in the match. The excitement further diminished as Lionel Messi started the game from the bench. Despite their absence on the field, Al Nassr's dominance was on full display as they secured a 6-0 victory.

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Yet, the real drama unfolded off the pitch, capturing the attention of fans and media alike. Cristiano Ronaldo, though sidelined, passionately celebrated each of Al Nassr's goals, highlighting his unwavering commitment to the team's success. The spectacle escalated when Turki Sheikh, a prominent figure associated with the club, joined in the drama, displaying six fingers on camera after Messi appeared in the game.

Al Nassr's victory showcased their prowess on the field, but the off-field theatrics kept the encounter memorable. The absence of Ronaldo and Messi in active play did little to dampen the excitement, as the off-field narratives created a captivating storyline around the clash of football titans. Even when not directly participating, the enduring impact of these iconic figures underscores their influence on the beautiful game.

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