Cristiano Ronaldo in line to make Saudi Arabian debut against Lionel Messi
By Sean Walsh
Cristiano Ronaldo's first game in Saudi Arabian football is expected to come against Lionel Messi and Paris Saint-Germain.
The 37-year-old completed a move to Al Nassr at the end of December following the mutual termination of his Manchester United contract a month earlier.
He is yet to make his debut for the club after carrying over a two-match ban from the Football Association for smashing an Everton fan's phone last year.
And Al Nassr manager Rudi Garcia has admitted that Ronaldo's first appearance in Saudi Arabian football is likely to come for a Pro League XI against PSG on January 19.
"It [his debut] won’t be with the Al Nassr jersey. It will be a mix between Al Hilal and Al Nassr," Garcia said.
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"As the coach of Al Nassr, I cannot be happy with this match. For development, to see PSG, to see the great Parisian players, indeed it is a good thing. But we have a championship game three days later.
"In terms of scheduling, it could have been better thought out. But it’s not a big deal. We are in the lead, we are happy. It is a difficult championship to win, but we intend to do it."
Garcia added: "In recent months, between Manchester United, the national team and also at a private level, [Ronaldo] has not had easy moments.
"If he finds the pleasure of playing again, it will be a good goal to achieve."