Cristiano Ronaldo’s calf injury poses a potential setback for the upcoming match against Lionel Messi and Inter Miami, which has been eagerly anticipated by soccer fans worldwide. This match, dubbed “The Last Dance,” could mark one of the final occasions for fans to witness the legendary rivalry between Messi and Ronaldo on the field, as they vie for the title of the sport’s best player.

However, Ronaldo’s availability for the highly anticipated encounter scheduled for Feb. 1 in Saudi Arabia has been cast into doubt due to his calf injury. Ronaldo expressed his regret to fans in China during a press conference, acknowledging his disappointment at not being able to participate in two planned friendlies this week. As a result, his status for Al Nassr’s match against Messi and Inter Miami at the Riyadh Season Cup next week remains uncertain.

Despite the setback, Ronaldo remained optimistic, emphasizing his fondness for China and his desire to return to the country in the future. He assured fans that although the game may be postponed, it has not been canceled, and Al Nassr intends to reschedule the match to honor their commitment to the event.

Meanwhile, Inter Miami, led by Messi, faced FC Dallas in a preseason road match, ending in a 1-0 defeat. Messi played limited minutes in both preseason games, and Inter Miami is still in search of their first goal. The team is set to embark on the final legs of its preseason tour, including matches in Saudi Arabia, Hong Kong, and Tokyo, covering a total distance of over 25,000 miles before the start of the 2024 MLS season.