Ronaldo Gets Hero’s Welcome in Hong Kong, Unlike Messi’s Fallout
Cristiano Ronaldo received a rousing welcome in Hong Kong on Tuesday as he starred for Saudi club Al Nassr in their 2-1 Saudi Super Cup win over Al Ittihad.
The 40-year-old football icon set up the winning goal, avoiding the controversy that surrounded his long-time rival Lionel Messi in the same city last year.
Fans chanted “Ronaldo, Ronaldo” from the moment he stepped out to warm up at the Hong Kong Stadium. Every touch of the ball from the Portuguese captain was met with cheers, a stark contrast to the anger Messi faced in February 2024 when he remained on the bench during an Inter Miami friendly.
Messi’s no-show explained as an injury sparked outrage, with disappointed fans demanding refunds. The fallout even led China to cancel two Argentina friendlies, after Messi appeared in a match in Japan days later, which some Chinese officials saw as an insult.
Ronaldo, however, embraced the moment. Fans camped outside his hotel, some even booking rooms just to catch a glimpse of him. A museum dedicated to him also opened in Hong Kong last month. During a short visit there, local media reported that he was “emotional” about the support, especially from younger fans. “This means more to me than any trophy,” he was quoted as saying.
The Match
Al Nassr took the lead through Sadio Mane, who was later sent off after a VAR review. Al Ittihad equalized shortly after, but Ronaldo kept pressing, narrowly missing with a free-kick before creating the decisive moment.
Breaking free of the defense, he set up fellow Portuguese Joao Felix, recently signed from Chelsea who calmly slotted in the winner.
Ronaldo was substituted in the final minute, where a young fan wearing his famous No. 7 shirt tried to invade the pitch for a selfie. Security stopped him, and two more pitch invaders were caught after the final whistle while rushing towards the superstar.
Even at 40, Ronaldo’s presence showed he remains one of football’s biggest attractions and in Hong Kong, at least, still very much adored.