Cristiano Ronaldo Silences Messi Chants With A Stunning Brace In Riyadh Derby
The timeless football rivalry between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi found a new chapter on Saudi Arabian soil on Friday night, as the Portuguese superstar delivered an emphatic response both on and off the pitch, guiding Al Nassr to a crucial 3-1 victory over fierce city rivals Al Hilal — and answering taunts from opposition fans in unforgettable style.
This Riyadh derby was far more than just a fight for crucial Saudi Pro League points. It was also a stage where fans attempted to rekindle echoes of the Messi-Ronaldo duel that defined a footballing era. As Ronaldo faced a chorus of "Messi, Messi" chants from Al Hilal supporters, he promptly conjured a goal-scoring masterclass, reaffirming his status as a showman impervious to provocation.
Al Nassr opened the scoring late in the first half, with Ali Al Hassan curling a precise shot beyond the reach of goalkeeper Yassine Bono. Just moments into the second period, Ronaldo doubled the lead, clinically finishing from close range after a clever set-up by Sadio Mané — an assist that Mané celebrated even before the penalty was struck, so confident in his teammate’s prowess that his early cheer was described as "cold" by fans and pundits alike.
Al Hilal did respond, clawing a goal back via Ali Al Bulayhi’s powerful header from a corner, reigniting the contest. But Ronaldo, seeking to put any doubts to rest, calmly buried a penalty in the 88th minute, awarded via VAR for a Mouteb Al-Harbi handball. That strike not only sealed the win but also marked Ronaldo’s 70th goal since his Saudi Pro League arrival, a milestone symbolising his relentless thirst for goals.
After the final whistle, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner took to social media, sharing jubilant images captioned simply: "RIYADH IS YELLOW AND BLUE!" — a proud homage to Al Nassr’s colours and a pointed rejoinder to those who dared to doubt him. The message, just five words, said everything: his actions on the pitch speak more forcefully than any taunts.
This latest flourish also rekindled memories of that golden decade when Ronaldo and Messi’s battle for supremacy set La Liga ablaze. With eight Ballons d’Or for Messi and five for Ronaldo, their mutual brilliance reshaped football history. Yet, as Ronaldo noted last year, their personal duel is a thing of the past: "It was good, spectators liked it. We have changed the history of football. We are respected all over the world, that's the most important thing… He’s followed his path and I have followed mine."
Currently, Al Nassr’s triumph narrows their gap to just three points behind second-placed Al Hilal, while Ronaldo remains steadfast in his goal chase: edging ever closer towards the mythical tally of 1,000 career goals. After the match, he downplayed records, telling SSC, "The team effort was crucial… Me scoring is important, but it's more important to win. I work hard to help the team… and don't concentrate on individual records." That humility belies the fierce drive that has long defined his career.
With this performance — goals, leadership and a cool rebuke to rival fans — Ronaldo once again reminded the world of his enduring excellence. Whether or not the Messi chants continue, Riyadh has a new chapter in its football story to celebrate, authored by one of the game’s greatest.
Is Ronaldo’s brilliance still without match, or do the chants of Messi signify a battle that will never truly end? Share your thoughts and join the conversation below.
