VIP ticket for Messi, Ronaldo clash fetches $2.6M

Football

Is a Saudi Arabia exhibition a sad ending for Messi vs. Ronaldo? (1:43)

Shaka Hislop debates whether Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi will ever face each other again. (1:43)

6:00 PM ET

  • Rob DawsonCorrespondent

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — A football fan has paid $2.6 million for a VIP ticket to see Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi go head-to-head in Saudi Arabia.

The exhibition match at King Fahd International Stadium on Thursday will feature Paris Saint-Germain and Messi facing a select side made up of players from Al Hilal and Ronaldo’s new club Al Nassr.

– Messi vs. Ronaldo: Head-to-head record; memorable matchups

A special “Beyond Imagination” ticket for the match was auctioned off by the Saudi government’s entertainment arm promising the winner the opportunity to meet Ronaldo and Messi, as well as access to the team dressing rooms and trophy award.

The bidding started at $260,000 but eventually rose to $2.6m before closing on Wednesday. The money raised will reportedly be donated to charity. Thursday’s match in Riyadh could be the last time Ronaldo and Messi take the field together.

The two players, considered among the best in history, last featured in the same game during Barcelona‘s 3-0 Champions League defeat to Juventus in December 2020.

The friendly fixture will also mark Ronaldo’s first football since signing a contract worth more than $214m a year with Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr.

The 37-year-old, who left Manchester United in December, has been made to wait for his debut when he was hit by a two-match suspension handed down by the English FA after being found guilty of smacking a phone out of a fan’s hand following United’s defeat to Everton in April.

He is set to make his competitive debut for Al Nassr against Ettifaq on Sunday.

Read More Margarett Center

Latest

8 UNESCO-listed rock-cut religious sites you should visit at least once

8 UNESCO-listed rock-cut religious sites you should visit at least once For centuries, communities have carved places of worship, monasteries, shrines and monumental sculptures into cliffs and hillsides. Today, these rock-... 1/8 Ajanta Caves, Maharashtra, India | A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983, the Ajanta Caves comprise 30 rock-cut Buddhist monuments dating from the

Top Cryptos Other Than Bitcoin and Ethereum Poised to Benefit From the CLARITY Act

The upcoming CLARITY Act is widely expected to reshape the U.S. crypto market by providing regulatory clarity for digital assets. While Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) are likely to remain the primary institutional beneficiaries, several altcoins could also gain from increased institutional participation. From cryptos with active ETF ambitions to blockchain ecosystems powering tokenization and

ONDO Price Eyes $0.665 After Breakout and Major SBI Tokenization Deal

You are here: Home / Cryptocurrency News / ONDO Price Eyes $0.665 After Breakout and Major SBI Tokenization Deal Ondo Finance (ONDO) is gaining bullish momentum after confirming a breakout from its downtrend, with analysts watching for continued strength for the ONDO price. Meanwhile, its partnership with Japan’s SBI Group advances real-world asset tokenization and

Payroll Tax Obligations for Small Businesses

As a small business owner, you face various payroll tax obligations that can impact your bottom line. Comprehending what constitutes payroll taxes, the responsibilities you have as an employer, and the deadlines for payments is fundamental. From FICA contributions to unemployment taxes, managing these requirements accurately is vital. Failure to comply could lead to penalties

Newsletter

Don't miss

8 UNESCO-listed rock-cut religious sites you should visit at least once

8 UNESCO-listed rock-cut religious sites you should visit at least once For centuries, communities have carved places of worship, monasteries, shrines and monumental sculptures into cliffs and hillsides. Today, these rock-... 1/8 Ajanta Caves, Maharashtra, India | A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983, the Ajanta Caves comprise 30 rock-cut Buddhist monuments dating from the

Top Cryptos Other Than Bitcoin and Ethereum Poised to Benefit From the CLARITY Act

The upcoming CLARITY Act is widely expected to reshape the U.S. crypto market by providing regulatory clarity for digital assets. While Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) are likely to remain the primary institutional beneficiaries, several altcoins could also gain from increased institutional participation. From cryptos with active ETF ambitions to blockchain ecosystems powering tokenization and

ONDO Price Eyes $0.665 After Breakout and Major SBI Tokenization Deal

You are here: Home / Cryptocurrency News / ONDO Price Eyes $0.665 After Breakout and Major SBI Tokenization Deal Ondo Finance (ONDO) is gaining bullish momentum after confirming a breakout from its downtrend, with analysts watching for continued strength for the ONDO price. Meanwhile, its partnership with Japan’s SBI Group advances real-world asset tokenization and

Payroll Tax Obligations for Small Businesses

As a small business owner, you face various payroll tax obligations that can impact your bottom line. Comprehending what constitutes payroll taxes, the responsibilities you have as an employer, and the deadlines for payments is fundamental. From FICA contributions to unemployment taxes, managing these requirements accurately is vital. Failure to comply could lead to penalties

5 Proven Strategies for Ecommerce Customer Acquisition

If you’re looking to boost customer acquisition for your eCommerce business, you need a clear plan. Start by leveraging targeted paid ads to connect with users ready to buy. Don’t overlook SEO, as it enhances your organic visibility. Consider email marketing with segmented lists for more personalized outreach. Collaborate with influencers to reach niche audiences

Want Your Business to Be Seen Everywhere? Meet Tonia Ryan, Creator of Fix Your Search

Some people are good at their jobs. Then there is Tonia Ryan, who has turned “getting found online” into something close to magic. She is the creator of Fix Your Search, and if you have ever wondered why some businesses pop up everywhere while others seem invisible...

Grey Business processes $61 million as stablecoins dominate payments

Grey Business enables startups and SMEs to open US Dollar (USD) corporate accounts, send and receive international payments, convert currencies, and transact using stablecoins such as USDC and USDT...

Utah Marketers to Host Free Business Networking Event in Layton on June 24

The custom web design company is hosting free monthly networking events for Northern Utah business leaders, with the next event scheduled for June 24 from 4 to 6 p.m. Utah Marketers is hosting a free local business networking event on June 24 from 4 to 6 p.m. at the company’s Layton office. The event is