Inter Miami have released a statement debunking rumors about participating in the next edition of the Riyadh Season Cup.
Reports emerged on Tuesday, November 22, 2023, that the Herons were set to play against Al Nassr in February 2024.
However, Inter Miami have squashed those speculations, expressing that it is “inaccurate”.
The Riyadh Season Cup is a three-team tournament that will also include Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal.
Those reports which came to the media space on Tuesday, November 21, sparked massive reactions across social media.
Fans were eager to see Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi file out for possibly one last time, having last seen the two in the same encounter in January 2023.
When last did Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi play in the same match?
Paris Saint Germain played against Riyadh All-Star on January 19, 2023, and the encounter ended 4-5 in favor of the Parisians.
Lionel Messi scored only a goal in the encounter, with Cristiano Ronaldo scoring a brace.
However, some fans felt that Ronaldo triumphed in the rivalry on the day, having scored 2 goals with Messi scoring 1.
The encounter, rumored to have been slated for February 2024, was tagged: “The Last Dance”.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are still largely the most followed footballers on the planet, despite being at the twilight of their careers.
The two star players share 13 Ballon d’Or awards between them – 8 for Messi, and 5 for Ronaldo.
Meanwhile, Inter Miami’s statement also made it known that Co-owner Jorge Mas has made no comments on it, publicly or privately, and as such it should be disregarded.
Inter Miami statement denying participating in the 2024 Riyadh Season Cup
Inter Miami’s statement reads: “Earlier today, an announcement was issued stating that Inter Miami CF is scheduled to play in the Riyadh Season Cup.
“This is inaccurate. The release included statements attributed to team owner Jorge Mas. Mas has made no comments, publicly or privately, in relation to the preseason tour.”
They also added that they are currently scrutinizing and having conversations to determine their 2024 preseason schedule.
“Since day one, Inter Miami CF has set out to be a global brand. To this end, we have been in conversations to determine our 2024 preseason schedule”, the statement added.
“We look forward to showcasing our players on Inter Miami CF’s first international tour which will be announced in the coming weeks.”
Inter Miami finished 14th on the 2023 Eastern Conference standings and ultimately failed to qualify for the MLS playoffs.
The Herons are aiming to win the 2024 MLS Cup and are already intensifying efforts towards that.
Reports indicate that ahead of the 2024 MLS season, Inter Miami are looking at signing legendary Uruguayan forward Luis Suarez.
Tata Martino’s side are currently filled with a fascinating list of top players, including; Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba.
