The resounding cheers of ‘Messi, Messi, Messi’ echoed as the players exited the field at halftime during Al-Nassr’s 1-0 loss. Ronaldo displayed visible frustration, shaking his head, possibly in response to the unfolding game or the clamor from the crowd.

Ronaldo faced a one-game sᴜꜱpension in the Saudi Pro League for seemingly responding with an оffеnꜱιυе gesture to fans chanting ‘Messi’ during his team’s match against Al-Shabab. Consequently, he was absent for the crucial 4-4 draw against Al-Hazm last week. Additionally, the 39-year-old received a fine of 30,000 Saudi riyals (£6,300/$7,995).

Closing a nine-point gap with Al-Hilal in the remaining 12 games seems challenging. Yet, if Ronaldo aims to secure Al-Nassr’s first Champions League victory and join the exclusive ranks of players with continental titles on two continents, he must reverse the 1-0 aggregate score when Al-Ain arrives for the quarter-final return leg on March 11.