Lionel Messi ready for ‘Last Dance’ but is Cristiano Ronaldo? Inter Miami name squad for tour of Asia as they wait to discover if Al-Nassr superstar will be fit

Eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi has returned to action at the start of Inter Miami’s pre-season campaign, with the Herons preparing themselves for a shot at MLS Cup glory in 2024. The Argentine icon has figured in meetings with El Salvador and FC Dallas, with Tata Martino’s side still waiting on their first goal of the new year.

Inter Miami are now heading to Saudi Arabia, where they are due to take part in the Riyadh Cup. They will face Al-Hilal on Monday, before then locking horns with Al-Nassr on February 1. That contest was supposed to see Messi line up against eternal rival Ronaldo one last time.

It has been announced on Inter Miami’s official website that Messi forms part of their travelling party, with Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba also heading to the Middle East. Ronaldo, though, has picked up an injury that has forced Al-Nassr to cancel their tour of China. As a result, he faces a race against time to be fit for an eagerly-anticipated clash with Messi and Co.

From Saudi Arabia, Inter Miami will then head to the Far East. A historic international tour for the Florida-based outfit is set to see them take on a Hong Kong Select XI on February 4, before then facing Japanese side Vissel Kobe three days later.