Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi take back their fans years in nine-goal thriller

• Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi bring fans back to the height of their rivalry.
• PSG defeat Riyadh Season Team 5-4 in an exhibition game.
• Hugo Ekitike’s goal in the 78th minute proved decisive as PSG won the game.

As both players scored in an exhibition game on Thursday, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi brought fans back to the height of their legendary rivalry. Hugo Ekitike then helped 10-man PSG defeat the Riyadh Season Team 5-4.

Soccer fans across the world received a lot of bang for their buck as a tale that has dominated the sport for more than ten years appeared to come to a conclusion in a memorable goalfest, even though the game may not have had much consequence for the clubs involved.

A brace from Ronaldo offset goals from Messi and Marquinhos in an exciting first half at the King Fahd Stadium in Riyadh, where PSG’s Juan Bernat was sent off for a lunging tackle on Saudi international Salem Al-Dawsari.

In the second half, both teams continued to push forward, but Ekitike’s goal in the 78th minute ultimately decided the game.

PSG made an explosive start to the game while sporting a new black and gold uniform, taking the lead in the third minute due to a precise finish from Messi.

Messi was able to beat Mohamed Al-Owais, who he last met in Saudi Arabia’s shocking World Cup victory over Argentina in November, after Neymar played him through on goal.

The Riyadh Season Team, a combined Saudi Pro League XI made up of players from Al Nassr and Al Hilal, had multiple chances despite falling down early.

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Ronaldo was a constant menace, and when Keylor Navas collided with him in goal, he was awarded a penalty. The impact had left Ronaldo with a large red bruise on his cheek, but he lifted himself up and calmly converted the penalty kick to tie the score.

After the equaliser, Bernat received a red card, but the Ligue 1 team handled losing a man admirably by scoring through defender Marquinhos.

Their advantage did not last long, though, as Ronaldo tied the score just before halftime by burying a rebound after Sergio Ramos mishandled a simple clearing.

After the half, the goals came thick and quick as Ramos headed in a cross from Kylian Mbappe before South Korean Jang Hyun-soo scored a near-post header from a corner to tie the score at three.

Ali Al-handball Bulaihi’s awarded the visitors a penalty, which was skillfully converted by Mbappe on the hour. It was Mbappe’s final contribution because he was soon removed from the game along with teammates Messi, Neymar, and Ronaldo.

After a lung-busting run from the halfway point, Ekitike increased PSG’s lead to 5-3, and Anderson Talisca netted a late consolation goal for the Saudis in extra time.

Although he was unable to start his new life in Saudi Arabia with a victory, Ronaldo, 37, will draw inspiration from his performance as he gets ready to play in his first competitive match for Al Nassr on Sunday when they meet Al Ettifaq.

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