Cristiano Ronaldo made his return on Thursday after pulling out of the Qatar 2022 World Cup with Portugal and fans in Saudi Arabia should be happy.
The 37-year-old returned with two goals, although the All-Star side in Riyadh were beaten 5-4 by Lionel Messi’s Paris Saint-Germain in a thrilling friendly.
Just three minutes into the game when Messi broke the deadlock after receiving a smart pass from Neymar before coolly slotting home the opener.
While many expected a one-way traffic after the early goal, the Riyadh All Star side were the least able to hold on.
After 34 minutes, Ronaldo and goalkeeper Keylor Navas collided for an unrelated high ball.
A penalty was awarded, which Ronaldo buried in the net in his trademark celebration.
Les Parisiens were reduced to ten men when Juan Bernat committed a late foul on Salem Al-Dawsari which gave him no choice but to draw a red card.
Despite the setback, PSG went ahead for a while through Marquinhos’ close-range finish.
Neymar should have doubled PSG’s lead after winning a debatable penalty, but his tame shot went straight at Mohammed Al Owais’ simple dive.
In stoppage time, Ronaldo grabbed an equalizer for his side after his earlier effort hit the post but rebounded to make it 2-2.
PSG continued where they left off in the second half with Mbappe setting up Sergio Ramos for a tap-in in the 53rd minute to make it 3-2.
Immediately, the Riyadh side hit back through Jang Hyun-soo’s clever header from a corner whipped to the near post.
The third penalty of the game was awarded to PSG and Mbappe made no mistake to make it 4-3.
At the hour mark, Ronaldo, Neymar, Mbappe and Messi all exited the stage to applause from the cheering crowd.
Despite the exit of the superstar, there was enough time for each goal from both sides.
After Hugo Ekitike made it 5-3, Anderson Talisca finished well from close range, but it was only a consolation for the Saudis as the match finished 5-4.
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