Lionel Messi came on as an 83rd-minute substitute but could do nothing to stop Inter Miami suffering a 6-0 drubbing by an Al-Nassr team without Cristiano Ronaldo in Riyadh Thursday.
The match, billed as possibly the last chance for the multiple Ballon d`Or winners to face each other on the pitch, was part of a friendly tournament also involving Brazilian Neymar`s Al-Hilal, the Saudi Pro League leaders.
Argentina forward Messi, nursing a hamstring problem, started on the bench and Portugal`s Ronaldo missed out completely due to a muscle injury, disappointing fans hoping to see the world`s two most famous footballers in opposition.
Inter, who started the game with former Barcelona players Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets in their lineup, trailed 3-0 inside 12 minutes and never threatened to make a comeback.
Messi, 36, played against Al-Hilal Monday, converting a penalty in the 54th minute before he was substituted two minutes from time as Inter lost 4-3.
Al-Nassr last week cancelled their two-game China tour due to the absence of the 38-year old Ronaldo.
RESULT
Al Nassr 6 (Otavio 3, Talisca 10, 51-P, 73, Laporte 12, Maran 68) Miami 0
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