Messi makes a late appearance as Ronaldo-less Al-Nassr defeats Inter Miami.

Lionel Messi came on as an 83rd-minute substitute but could not save Inter Miami from a 6-0 thrashing by an Al-Nassr team missing Cristiano Ronaldo in Riyadh on Thursday.

The match, billed as possibly the final opportunity for the multiple Ballon D'Or winners to face off on the field, was part of a friendly tournament that also included Brazilian Neymar's Al-Hilal, the Saudi Pro League leaders.

Argentina forward Messi, who was nursing a hamstring injury, started on the bench, while Portugal's Ronaldo was ruled out due to a muscle injury, disappointing fans hoping to see the world's two most famous footballers face off.

Inter, who started the game with former Barcelona players Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets in the lineup, fell behind 3-0 after 12 minutes and never threatened to recover.

Messi, 36, played against Al-Hilal on Monday, converting a penalty in the 54th minute before being substituted two minutes later as Inter lost 4-3.

Al-Nassr's two-game China tour was called off last week due to Ronaldo's absence.

SportsLigue