The friendly between Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal and Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami was packed with goals and a Cristiano Ronaldo-like ‘Siu’ celebration
Al-Hilal’s Michael paid homage to Cristiano Ronaldo with Lionel Messi on the same pitch (Image: Getty Images)
An Al-Hilal star hit Cristiano Ronaldo’s iconic ‘Siu’ celebration during their 4-3 victory over Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami.
The Saudi Pro League and MLS sides were pitted against each other in a friendly match on Monday (January 29) night, with Hilal currently on their winter break and Miami gearing up for the start of their 2024 season.
Former Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic gave the hosts an early lead in the Middle East, which was doubled by Abdullah Al Hamadan. Luis Suarez then halved the deficit with his first Miami goal after reuniting with Messi.
But Brazilian striker Michael restored the two-goal advantage before the break with a header, after which he ran towards the corner flag and emulated Ronaldo.
While it could’ve been seen as a sign of disrespect to his long-time rival Messi, Michael regularly uses the ‘Siu’ – even doing it when facing Al-Nassr in the Arab Club Champions Cup earlier this season with Ronaldo on the pitch.
Messi scored a penalty but Inter Miami were beat 4-3 in the friendly (Image: AFP via Getty Images)
And Messi soon exacted a measure of revenge, getting on the scoresheet from the penalty spot after the restart. He then turned provider for team-mate David Ruiz just a minute later for an equaliser.
