Cristiano Ronaldo gets Hong Kong hero’s welcome, avoids Lionel Messi pitfall

HONG KONG – Cristiano Ronaldo was given a hero’s welcome on Aug 19 as he played a pivotal role for his Saudi side Al-Nassr in Hong Kong – where great rival Lionel Messi became public enemy No. 1 in 2024 for failing to play.

The 40-year-old former Manchester United and Real Madrid ace got an assist in a 2-1 Saudi Super Cup win over Al-Ittihad, who had French veteran and Ronaldo’s former Real teammate Karim Benzema up front.

“Ronaldo, Ronaldo,” rang out from the moment that he came out to warm up on a sweltering and damp evening, where several pitch invaders unsuccessfully tried to get to him at the end.

Cheers went up every time that the Portuguese captain, wearing his trademark No. 7 shirt, touched the ball.

It was all a far cry from the rabid reaction Messi sparked when he remained on the bench for an Inter Miami friendly at the same Hong Kong Stadium in February 2024.

The Argentinian wizard’s no-show drew boos and calls for refunds from thousands of fans who had paid large sums to see the World Cup-winning captain play.

The 38-year-old said he was injured but that failed to quell a spectacular fallout that saw China cancel two friendly matches featuring Argentina.

Some nationalist politicians and outlets in China interpreted Messi’s absence – and his subsequent appearance at a similar match in Japan – as a snub.

Messi and Ronaldo have competed for more than 15 years for the unofficial title of best player in the world, although the Argentinian is generally regarded to have got the upper hand in recent years.

Both remain massively popular and marketable even in the twilight of their careers.

Fans camped outside the hotel in Hong Kong where the Portuguese superstar was staying hours before his arrival to catch a glimpse of him, with some even booking rooms.

A museum dedicated to him also opened in the city in July.

Local media said that Ronaldo was “emotional” when told during a brief appearance there this week about the local interest, especially from younger fans.

“This means more to me than any trophy,” he was quoted as saying.

Former Liverpool attacker Sadio Mane put Al-Nassr ahead before Al-Ittihad struck back soon after via Steven Bergwijn.

Mane was then sent off after 25 minutes following a video assistant referee review.

Ronaldo had a couple of sniffs at goal six minutes before the break but was denied on both occasions, then he fizzed a free kick narrowly over.

He set up the winner, pulling clear of the Al-Ittihad defence and squaring it for fellow Portuguese Joao Felix, the new signing from Chelsea, to slot in.

A young fan with a “7 Ronaldo” shirt invaded the pitch as the veteran was subbed off in the last minute but security foiled the youngster’s attempt to get a wefie with him.

Two more young fans were wrestled to the ground after the final whistle when they invaded the pitch and made a beeline for Ronaldo. AFP