Riyadh Season XI 4-5 PSG summary: Messi and Ronaldo score, goals, highlights
Riyadh Season XI vs. PSG live online
Riyadh Season XI 4-5 PSG
It all started in the third minute when Leo Messi bagged the first of nine goals in a massively entertaining affair in Riyadh that at times was anything but friendly.
The game had everything, a missed penalty, a sending off, VAR intervention, nine goals and of course, two of the finest players of recent times as Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi shared a pitch for possibly the last time.
Both men were on target tonight with Messi opening the scoring before CR7 slotted home from the spot after receiving a right hook from PSG keeper Keylor Navas.
The first half was played at a high tempo to the delight of the 68,000 fans at the King Fahd Stadium as Spaniard Bernat saw red for a professional foul in the 39th minute.
The dismissal seemed to spur PSG on and the French side doubled their lead just before the interval as Marquinhos steered home following a fine pass from Mbappé.
As the clock ticked towards the 45' mark, there was still time for more drama as Neymar missed a spot kick before Cristiano bagged his second (and tie on 23 a piece on head to head games with Messi) as he headed against the post and was quickest to react driving home left footed to tie the game as the whistle sounded.
The second half began in the same frantic fashion as Sergio Ramos put PSG in front before Jang Hyun-soo headed Riyadh level. Just before both coaches made widespread changes, Mbappe had extended PSG's lead from the spot before Ekitike extended the lead for the visitors with the big names earning well earned breaks on the bench.
The best goal of the night came in the last minute as Brazilian Talisca drove home from the edge of the box to bring the curtain down on a hugely entertaining 90 minutes of action.
The 'Last Dance' for Messi and Ronaldo on the same pitch together? Very possibly, but what a privilege it has to enjoy the skill and talents of two of the finest players the game has produced.
Our next live game tonight is from the Premier League with Jeffrey May primed to bring you the clash between Man City and Tottenham
Talisca's tasty finish
A fine finish from Anderson Talisca in stoppage time made it 4-5 on the night.
This could be the last time... an embrace for all they have achieved between them.
Cristiano congratulates the winners
It was only a friendly but Cristiano made sure he congratulated the winners after the game, hugs for Mbappé and Messi after the nine-goal rollercoaster ride in Riyadh.
Cheeky meg
PSG's Carlos Soler, magnificently megged by you know who.
Watch Messi's opener
PSG were ahead after just three minutes, Neymar's dink over the top found Messi, who squeezed the ball past Spanish keeper David Ospina. 0-1.
All eyes were on Messi and Cristiano from the moment the two teams stepped out onto the pitch. Would they greet one another? How would they react? The Portuguese forward did approach Messi moments before kick-off, smiled and said something but appeared to avoid direct eye contact...
Messi vs Ronaldo
Here's a photo gallery of the match, with Messi and Ronaldo taking centre-stage.
PSG hang on in nine goal thriller
Goals from Messi, Marquinhos,Leo Messi, Mbappe, Ramos and Ekitike were enough for the Ligue 1 side to prevail and secure the 2022 Riyadh Season Cup against a combined XI of Al Hilal and Al Nassr players.
That's it ...the whistle sounds and PSG win 4-5.
Great entertainment in Riyadh and a privilege to see Ronaldo and Messi in action together.
Gooool ..Talisco with a late consolation for Riyadh but what a finish from the Brazilian... one of the finest of the night.
Four minutes of time will be added on.
Into the final minute of the 90 and the second half has failed to match the first 45' in terms of sheer excitement and enjoyment but this game has surpassed any expectations with many fearing it would be a tepid affair with little or no sparkle.
That could not be further from the truth as it's been hugely entertaining.... goals from Messi and CR7, red cards, controversy, missed spot kicks. It's been great !
And every bit as importantly, there have been no injuries with CR7 sporting a bruised cheek after the Keylor Navas punch.
Many of these Al Hilal players will be in action in Morocco in the next few weeks with the Saudi Arabian side one of the seven participants at the forthcoming FIFA Club World Cup.
The Riyadh side will face CAF Champions League winners Wydad (Morocco) in the second round game.
Free for Riyadh and a great chance here for the home side with Talisca firing just over the crossbar.
Less than ten minutes remaining here in Riyadh. The game naturally a little disjointed now after a series of substitutes from both teams and the game now looks beyond the Riyadh Season XI.
Riyadh 3-5 PSG
Hugo Ekitike puts the ten men of PSG 3-5 ahead
Great run and individual strike from Hugo Ekitike as he streaks from his own half and slots home with a fine finish.
PSG make it 3-5
Salem wins a corner for the home side as they continue to press.
The ball eventually falls into the arms of the PSG keeper.
Riyadh still look for the equaliser with just over 15 minutes of the action remaining. The side in sky blue/steel grey now dominating proceedings.
Despite the swathe of changes, there is still plenty of pace and tempo to the game as Riyadh look for a way back.
Don't forget that PSG have been playing with ten men since the 39th minute when Bernat was given his marching orders.
Cheeky from Vitinha as he spots the keeper off his line and from distance tries an audacious lob but the Saudi No.1 tracks back and gathers.
All the big PSG guns (Messi, Neymar and Mbappe) now on the bench as head coach Galtier uses the game as an opportunity to field some of the younger players.
Ali Al-Boleahi shoots as he looks to amend his handball that lead to the PSG spot kick and goal for Mbappe.
Tame shot and easy for Donnarumma to gather with the Italian replacing Navas.
Was this the last time we'll see the two greats of modern football on the same pitch for the last time?
Two authentic legends!
Messi too is taken off with a series of switches taking place from both teams.
Ronaldo is taken off with the stadium on their feet to pay tribute to the Portuguese great.
Cool and calm as Mbappe slots home
Non stop drama here in Riyadh as Mbappe makes it 3-4
Mbappe to take ?
and now a penalty kick as a Messi shot is stopped by Ali Al-Boleahi with his arm
Ramos missing his marker and letting the South Korean to head home
Jang draws Riyadh level with a fine header at the near post.
It's 3-3
Mbappe with the assist and a fine finish from the man from Seville who is alert and stabs the ball home.
Ramos makes it 2-3
What a strike from Mbappe as the striker cuts in and drives an excellent fight footed shot that Al Owais tips over.
Navas saves again and keeps the score at 2-2.
A rare outing for the Costa Rican tonight but he's performed admirabley.
2 switches for PSG
Renato Sanches off for Vitinha
Marquinhos makes way for Danilo Pereira
Sultan Alganham off and Ali Lajami on
Moussa Marega makes way for Anderson Talisca
We're underway in Riyadh and there have been a few switches for the home side.
El Muñeco Gallardo coaching the home side tonight.
Keylor Navas incidentally was carded for his punch on Ronaldo leading up to the penalty kick.
The teams take to the pitch again at the King Fahd. Mbappe is back as is Neymar and Messi.
CR7 too back on the pitch.
HT: Riyadh 2-2 PSG
I imagine the second half will see a series of widespread changes for both teams and we may even see the likes of Messi, CR7, Neymar etc subbed.
So, it's been a hugely enjoyable 45 minutes of football.
It's a friendly, we all get that but it certainly doesn't feel like one of those tepid pre-season affairs where neither team puts in a tackle.
It's been robust and PSG seem to have been incensed to see Bernat get his marching orders.
What a game this is ... ok, we know it's only a friendly but you could not want more goal mouth action or entertainment...
the whistle sounds and a well deserved break for all involved!
CR7 hits the post with a header and is alert and latches onto the follow up to drive home from close range.
Gooooooooooooooooool.
Ronaldo makes it 2-2
Actually, it was a shocking penalty from Neymar.
Riyadh have a dangerous free and it's going to be Ronaldo.
The trademark approach... the Portuguese strikes....drives the ball into the wall.
Who will take?
It's Neymar.
The Brazilian shapes, shoots right footed and the effort is saved by Al Owais.
That was not a good penalty!
The verdict is a penalty for PSG.
Final minute of the half and PSG seem fired up by the Bernat sending off as they up the tempo.
Neymar appeals for a spot kick as he seemed to be clipped Ali Al-Boleahi.
VAR to be consulted... that looked like a penalty to me
43rd minute goal as the Brazilian latches onto a sweet assist from Mbappe.
The ten men take the lead.
Marquinhos puts PSG ahead again
A close up shot of Ronaldo reveals the bruising where he felt the impact of the Navas punch.
Did someone say this was a friendly game ???
Salem Al Dawsari breaking free is scythed down by the Spaniard and PSG are down to ten men.
Bernat is out of the game.
Bernat is off
Fine sport kick from CR7 as Navas guesses well but the power of the spot kick was too much as the Riyadh Season XI draw level.
Goooooooooooooooool.
Ronaldo from the spot to tie the game
CR7 to take ....
Navas full of apologies as play is held up.
The Qatari ref awards a penalty.
Wait... Navas and CR7 collide and the Portuguese striker needs attention and appears groggy as he catches a fist from the Costa Rican on the face.
Al Nassr are in action next Sunday in the SPL as they face Ettifaq at home. It's anticipated that we'll see the first of Ronaldo in the yellow shirt of his new side as his side now trail Al Ittihad (Nuno's side in the Saudi Pro League standings.
So as we were, just the Messi goal between the teams and what a pass that was from the Argentine as he threads the ball through the line of grey shirts.
Golllllllll. Mbappe finds the net...but wait .... the flag is up and the goal won't stand.... Yes... ruled out.
PSG go close again as Mohammed Khalil Al Owais makes a fine save (with his feet) as Messi and Neymar threatened. Unorthodox but effective from the Saudi stopper.
Marega does well and the former FC Porto man almost latches onto the ball but Keylor Navas is alert and intervenes.
Certainly would appear that the 68,000 fans packed inside the King Fahd are getting decent value for money.
The game actually has a decent tempo and rhythm and with both teams making decent tackles without anything reckless, the match actually does have a 'competitive' feel about it.
PSG are in action next on Monday as they face lower league side Pays de Cassel in the Round of 32 of the French Cup, that game has been put back to Monday.
Neymar almost slides in at the back post. The Brazilian is knocking on the door now.
Neymar almost makes it two.... decent save from All Star keeper Mohammed Khalil Al Owais (the Saudi No. 1)
Pity Martinez with a dangerous free for the Riyadh Season XI but the delivery from the former River Plate man is disappointing and the ball drifts out of play.
Ronaldo does seem very keen to impress tonight as he makes a marauding run on goal and is impeded by Ramos.
Much better from the Saudi XI now as PSG sit deep.
I know this is a friendly game but neither side are holding back when it comes to meaty tackles.
Some trickery from CR7 there as he nutmegs PSG man Carlos Soler with a back heel and then picks up the ball himself.
Great party piece from the man from Madeira.
A rare start tonight for Keylor Navas in the PSG goal tonight as he does well to save from a CR7 effort. A decent left footed strike from the Portuguese star
Riyadh Season 0-1 PSG
Wow... what a start !
PSG looking sharp and great work as their three high profile stars combine in the lead up to the goal!
Great work from PSG down their left flank as Mbappe finds the Argentine and with a slick left footed finish, the Argentine slots home
Goalllll. Messi after 3 minutes
PSG start the game !
Decent atmosphere too as Sergio Ramos and Ronaldo are inseparable.
PSG set to start the game....
Looks like David Ospina will not be manning the sticks as we still await kick-off.... now eight minutes past the scheduled slot but, hey, it's a friendly game as the Saudi national anthem belts out of the stadium PA.
The Riyadh Season XI wearing grey shirts and shorts this evening.
PSG in their new Jordan Brand fourth kit.
Pre-game protocol greetings with smiles all round from the players with a mellow vibe surrounding the game.
The players are in the tunnel as Cristiano and Sergio Ramos greet one another .... respect all round from these professionals as the teams take to the pitch led by Ronaldo and PSG captain Marquinhos.
It's a very fresh evening in the Saudi capital tonight with a brisk 12C/54F at kick-off. Fans wrapped up in scarves and hooded tops very much the order of the evening for the supporters here tonight.
A packed house at the King Fahd Stadium and all the fans looking for that first time when Messi and CR7 appear together.
Fans of Al Hilal, Al Nassr apparent in the stands, a few PSG shirts spotted to along with quite a presence of the sky and white Argentina shirts.
Moussa Marenga, Odion Ighalo and Gustavo Cuellar are just a few of the other high profile names starting for the Riyadh Season XI tonight.
Riyadh Season XI confirmed
Cristiano Ronaldo leads the line for the Al Hilal and Al Nassr combined XI.
David Ospina is in the sticks despite suffering an injury last weekend in the SPL game against Al Shabab.
We have a PSG XI
...and yes, as hoped for and anticipated, Messi, Neymar and Mbappe all start for PSG tonight.
The Ligue 1 side fielding what could be deemed as a strong XI for the exhibition game.
PSG - predicted XI
This is the possible starting line-up for the French side ahead of tonight's game in Riyadh.
A Messi, Neymar & Kylian Mbappe start?
Both teams are on the King Fahd pitch as they conduct their warm-up with less than 30 minutes to go to kick-off
Messi eclipses CR7 financially
PSG drop new Jordan Brand fourth kit
Using the build-up to tonight's exhibition game in Riyadh, the Parisian side have unveiled their new fourth kit which is a striking black jersey which pays tribute to the city of light. The black colour recalls the nights of the big games at the Parc des Princes and this shirt will get its debut this evening at the King Fahd Stadium.
What a trio !
Del Piero, Totti and Titi Henry are the local television analysts for the Riyadh Season Cup game and would still enhance any team despite their vintage!
Al Nassr and Al Hilal fans arrive at King Fahd
Clad in their respective club colours (blue and yellow for Al Nassr) and blue and white for Al Hilal, fans are arriving at the King Fahd Stadium with less than an hour to go till ko.
King Fahd International Stadium in Riyadh / GIUSEPPE CACACE / AFP
King Fahd Stadium to dominate spotlight for third time this week
Saudi capital Riyadh will take centre stage once again after hosting Sunday’s Spanish Super Cup final between Real Madrid and Barcelona and Wednesday night’s Supercoppa Italiana. On Thursday, a sold-out King Fahd Stadium will be the setting a friendly game between Paris Saint-Germain and a Riyadh Season XI (which will be composed of players from locals sides Al Hilal and Al Nassr) with the game also probably set to be the last time two legends of the game in Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo take to the same pitch together after their previous 36 head-to-head meetings.
Why will Marcelo Gallardo coach Riyadh Season?
Gallardo posted a short video on social media on 5 January stating that he would be in charge of picking Riyadh Season: “Hello, I’m Marcelo Gallardo and I want to let you know that on 19 January I’m going to manage Riyadh Season, which will be made up of players from Al Hilal and Al Nassr against Paris Saint-Germain. I’ll see you there soon.”
All very matter-of-fact and nothing you didn’t know already. There can be little doubt that the organisers will have waved wads of cash in Gallardo’s face but the Argentine is also thought to be keen on coaching in Europe for his next challenge and what better way to put yourself in the shop window by associating yourself with Messi and, more closely in this case, Ronaldo?
CR7-Messi: head-to-head
In total, the global superstars have met in 36 matches head-to-head, with Messi ending up on the winning side in 16 of those and Ronaldo in 11.
The Argentine also leads the scoring ranking, having netted 22 goals in those 36 games, with Ronaldo converting 21 times.
And the last time the players met saw Cristiano Ronaldo have the last laugh, scoring two penalties to help Juventus to a 3-0 win in December 2020 in a Champions League clash.
Both superstars will meet again on the pitch, as businessman Mushraf al Ghamdi leaves money for charity.
Kylian Mbappé likely to start alongside Lionel Messi for PSG
Paris Saint-Germain head into this game in something of a crisis, relatively-speaking. Christotphe Galtier’s side have seen their lead at the top of Ligue 1, which they are expected to win at a canter, cut to just three points as a result of back-to-back away defeats at the hands of Lens and Rennes. Presnel Kimpembé missed the World Cup due to injury and remains on the sidelines, while Marco Verratti and Nuno Mendes won’t be risked. Kylian Mbappé started the defeat to Rennes on the bench but, with Galtier likely to rest players in PSG’s next game in the Coupe de France against sixth-tier side Pays de Cassel, the French superstar should play from the off in Riyadh.
Cristiano Ronaldo to captain Riyadh Season XI
The Riyadh Season All Stars will be made up of a mix of players from Ronaldo’s Al Nassr and Al Hilal, the most decorated club in Saudi Arabia and indeed Asia, having won 65 trophies in their 65-year history. The Portuguese will obviously be the star attraction and it was confirmed on Monday that he would captain the side. But who else is set to play for them? Fellow ex-Manchester United striker Odion Ighalo may start alongside Ronaldo up front, while former Villarreal and Marseille defender Álvaro González, Brazilian winger Matheus Pereira and forward Mousa Marega, formerly of Porto, are other well-known names who could feature.
Saudi Arabian midfielder Salem Al-Dawsari, who hit the headlines thanks to a superb World Cup goal against Messi’s Argentina, is also in contention to play. Former River Plate boss Marcelo Gallardo will select and coach the team.
Kick off in Riyadh looms...
The game has captivated the imagination of many with fans around the world anxious to see the two greats together, possibly for the last time in this exhibition game to celebrate the Riyadh Season cultural programme in the Saudi capital.
So, could this be the last time we see modern icons of the game Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi share a pitch for the last time?
Cristiano has been named as captain of the Riyadh team which will features stars from Riyadh based teams Al Nassr and Al Hilal and it's anticipated that Messi will participate in some part of the game.
Tonight's kick-off time:
8pm (local time)
6pm (CET)
12:00 pm (ET) / 9am (PT)
Riyadh Season XI - PSG live online
Hello and welcome to our live coverage as the Cristiano Ronaldo captained Riyadh Season XI face Paris-Saint Germain at the King Fahd Stadium in the Saudi capital.