Cristiano Ronaldo is stony-faced as he is subjected to more Lionel Messi chants by rivals in Al-Nassr defeat
Posted Wednesday, March 06, 2024 by Thesun.co.uk
CRISTIANO RONALDO has been subjected to more Lionel Messi chants by rival fans.
The Al-Nassr forward was left stony-faced as he endured the taunts from the crowd against Al-Ain on Monday.
His side fell to a 1-0 defeat in the United Arab Emirates in their AFC Champions League quarter-final first leg.
As Ronaldo left the pitch at half-time, chants of "Messi, Messi" could be heard from the stands.
The five-time Ballon d'Or winner was seen shaking his head in response as he headed for the tunnel.
He also raised his eyebrows as he cut a frustrated figure, with his side trailing at the break.
Al-Nassr were unable to find an equaliser in the second half and ended the match with ten men.
Former Manchester City defender Aymeric Laporte was sent off in stoppage time and will miss next Monday's second leg.
Ronaldo has been regularly mocked by Messi fans so far this season, including in a recent win over Al-Shabab.
The 39-year-old hit back by gesturing towards the crowd whilst chants could be heard inside the stadium.
He was subsequently punished by the Saudi Arabia Football Federation for the offensive gesture.
Ronaldo was handed a one-match ban and fined £4,190 by Saudi chiefs in response to his actions.
Despite the taunts, Ronaldo has scored 28 goals and added 11 assists in 30 appearances this season.
He is also the top scorer in the Saudi Pro League with 22 league strikes this term.
Al-Nassr will be hoping he can add to that tally against Al-Raed on Thursday as they look to cut the gap to leaders Al-Hilal, which currently stands at nine points with 22 of 36 games played each.
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