The soccer world is currently glued to their televisions for the much-anticipated match between Inter Miami and Al Hilal. Just moments ago, both sides kicked off the Riyadh Season Cup‘s opening match. The enthusiasm builds as both sides begin the match with a fascinating twist as a female referee officiates the match. However, an unexpected layer of intrigue cropped up during the pre-game instruction to the official, who was urged to send off Miami’s star player, Lionel Messi. 

The hilarious request was made by none other than Saudi Arabia’s Excellency the Chancellor. It all transpired when starting XIs came on the pitch alongside their mascots and all the referees, with a group of Saudi Arabian chiefs also joining the customary handshake ritual. Interestingly, Sultan bin Salman Al Saud stopped while greeting all three officials and jokingly asked the female referee to give Lionel Messi a red card while pointing at the Herons skipper. 

All the other Saudi delegates, including the female official and La Pulga, couldn’t control their laughter at Mr. Al Saud’s antics. Either way, it was quite a witty gesture from His Excellency the Chancellor. Perhaps Mr Al Saud is terrified to see Al Hilal get outclassed by the soccer prowess of the Argentinian superstar. Certainly, the 8x Ballon d’Or winner would be looking to become a nightmare for Al Hilal defenders and try to lead the MLS side to a victory.

While one can expect miracles from Lionel Messi and Co., it’s Jorge Jesus’ side who are the favorites to come out on top. In fact, one chief of the Riyadh Season Cup even publicly expressed his desire to see David Beckham‘s soccer franchise lose against Al Hilal and Al Nassr. 

Saudi Chief doesn’t want Lionel Messi and Inter Miami to win against Al Hilal and Al Nassr

Turki Alalshikh, the Chief of the Riyadh Season Cup, has publicly stated that he would want to see Inter Miami lose to Cristiano Ronaldo‘s Al-Nassr and Neymar-less Al-Hilal in the friendly tournament. He succinctly stated, “I hope Al-Nassr or Al Hilal will win the cup, and we will see an enjoyable tournament for everyone.”

Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami Salary Compared With Al Hilal Players’ Earnings

Notably, Inter Miami’s form so far in the friendlies does indicate that they are at risk of facing defeat against both formidable Saudi Pro League sides. But that doesn’t mean they would not be trying to clinch a victory. The duo of Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez is enough to make both Roshn League sides reconsider taking Tata Martino and Co. lightly.

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