Lionel Messi scores just three minutes into friendly against Cristiano Ronaldo
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It's took just three minutes for Lionel Messi to get on the scoresheet in tonight's blockbuster friendly between PSG and Ronaldo's Riyad All-Star XI.
The Argentine poked the ball past goalkeeper Mohammed Alowais after a perfect through ball by Neymar.
It's the first time Messi and Ronaldo have met since December 2020.
Since then, the former's left his beloved Barcelona, joined PSG and won the World Cup, while the latter's returned to and left Manchester United before signing for Saudi Arabian outfit Al Nassr last month.
However, the Portuguese superstar got his own back later in the first half, scoring emphatically from the spot to bring his new employers level.
It just HAD to be...🙌
— Sky Sports (@SkySports) January 19, 2023
Neymar, Mbappe and Messi all combine as the Argentine opens for the scoring for PSG! ✨pic.twitter.com/sDHSscQHwr
Things looked like they were about to turn from bad to worse for the Parisians when left-back Juan Bernat was shown a straight red card as half time loomed.
But a Marquinhos header saw them retake the lead just minutes later.
This could have been extended but a weak penalty from Neymar was easily saved by Alowais.
Ronaldo made the Brazilian rue his missed spot-kick in added time, firing home from close range to get his and the All-Star XI's second of the game.
The second-half started at a similar, breakneck speed, with goals from defenders Sergio Ramos and Kylian Mbappe cancelling out a Hyeon Soo jang effort to give PSG a 4-3 lead with just half an hour left to play.
What. A. Game.
Featured Image Credit: Sky Sports
Topics: Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Paris Saint-Germain