Once in a blue moon, friendly tournaments are held to excite soccer fans. Teams use the pre-season to sort out their team and raise the players’ fitness levels as well as the money they receive. But later this month, the Riyadh Cup involving Al Hilal, Al Nassr, and Inter Miami has raised the excitement levels. To add more thrill to the tournament, Neymar will also reunite with Lionel Messi in Saudi Arabia.

Both of them have not been seen together after their stint with Paris Saint Germain ended. So, to see both of them share the same stage would bring back old memories of Barcelona.

Stars galore in Saudi Arabia as Lionel Messi and Neymar set to reunite

After their chapter in France with PSG, the careers of Lionel Messi and Neymar have gone different ways. The Argentinian has enjoyed a brilliant start with Inter Miami in MLS. But the Brazilian unfortunately suffered a long-term injury that has ended his current season. However, as both Inter Miami and Al Hilal meet each other in the Riyadh Cup, both of them will be reunited. According to reports, Neymar, who is currently undergoing rehabilitation in Brazil, will return to Saudi Arabia for the tournament and will support the team from the stands.

Lionel Messi will use the pre-season to get fit for the upcoming season with Inter Miami and Copa America later this year. On the other side, Neymar’s focus is currently set on making sure he does not suffer any setbacks on his injury. The doctor who did his knee surgery has already confirmed that the Brazilian will not be available for Copa America.

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Nonetheless, it will be exciting to see Neymar back for the big tournament. But as far as on-the-pitch performances are concerned, the pressure is on Saudi clubs to do well.

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Both the Knights of Najd and the Blue Waves have spent huge amounts of money to improve the team. Hence, the fans would love to see the Riyadh Cup won by a Saudi club. Saudi Minister Turki Al-Sheikh is also one of them. In an interview, he said that the winner of the Riyadh Cup should be one of the clubs from the cash-rich league.

Inter Miami on the other hand will hope to add a competitive edge to their game before the new season kicks off, as several players of the club have not played a single minute of competitive football during the off-season.

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Soccer fans in Saudi Arabia will hope that all three teams play an entertaining brand of soccer. Who do you think will win the Riyadh Cup? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.