Al Nassr thrash Inter Miami as Ronaldo, Messi watch on

English Woman's Journal - Al Nassr thrash Inter Miami as Ronaldo, Messi watch on

SPORTS 01.02.2024

Al Nassr thrash Inter Miami as Ronaldo, Messi watch on / Photo: Fayez NURELDINE - AFP

Al-Nassr crushed Inter Miami 6-0 as injury ruled Cristiano Ronaldo out of a much-hyped showdown with Lionel Messi, who was limited to a late substitute appearance in Thursday's friendly in Riyadh.

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Brazilian Talisca upstaged the illustrious duo with a hat-trick as the Saudi Pro League side demolished their Major League Soccer opponents, scoring three times inside the first 12 minutes.

Otavio drilled in the opening goal as Miami lost the ball trying to play out from the back. A sliding Talisca turned in Al-Nassr's second as the visitors again paid the price for conceding possession near their own box.

Aymeric Laporte scored the goal of the night, catching Miami goalkeeper Drake Calender well off his line as he belted in a long-range free-kick from deep inside his own half.

Talisca got his second from the penalty spot minutes after half-time and Mohammed Maran looped in a header to compound Miami's misery.

The American side were clearly feeling the effects of a globe-trotting pre-season tour, but the gulf in class was also stark.

Talisca completed his treble before Messi trotted on for the final seven minutes with his team trailing by six goals.

D.W.Robertson--EWJ

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English Woman's Journal - Al Nassr thrash Inter Miami as Ronaldo, Messi watch on