Ronaldo & Benzema Shine in Saudi Pro League Clash:
Cristiano Ronaldo & Karim Benzema delivered standout performances during Al Ittihad’s thrilling Saudi Pro League victory over Al Nassr on Friday. While both stars found the back of the net, it was Benzema’s Al Ittihad that clinched the win with a last-minute goal, boosting their title hopes.
Benzema vs. Ronaldo: A High-Stakes Match:
- Benzema opened the scoring in the 55th minute, marking his 10th goal in 10 league matches.
- Just two minutes later, Ronaldo responded with a clinical finish past Al Ittihad’s goalkeeper, Predrag Rajkovic.
- The decisive moment came in stoppage time when Steven Bergwijn curled a stunning shot into the far corner, sealing a 2-1 victory for Al Ittihad.

Al Ittihad Strengthens Title Lead:
- This win marked Al Ittihad’s ninth consecutive league victory, moving them five points clear at the top of the table.
- Al Nassr, led by Ronaldo, will aim to recover in their next match against Al Akhdoud on January 9.
Lionel Messi Named 2024 MLS MVP:
Lionel Messi has added another accolade to his illustrious career, being named the 2024 Landon Donovan MLS MVP. The Argentine legend dazzled in his debut season with Inter Miami, showcasing his unmatched skill & impact.
Messi’s Historic MLS Season:
- Messi scored 20 goals & contributed 16 assists in just 19 matches.
- His contributions helped Inter Miami set a single-season points record of 74 & win the Supporters’ Shield.
- Despite his incredible performance, Inter Miami’s playoff run ended in the first round.

Key Highlights of Messi’s MVP Award:
- Messi joins the elite group of players with at least 20 goals & 15 assists in a single MLS season.
- The MVP award, determined through votes from players, technical staff, & media, saw Messi receive 38.43% of the votes.
- MLS Commissioner Don Garber announced the award alongside Messi’s family & Inter Miami Academy students.
Messi’s influence in the MLS goes beyond the pitch, as noted by Garber:
“Messi is like Michael Jackson meeting Taylor Swift — & he’s playing in our league.”
As Messi & Ronaldo continue to shape football narratives globally, their remarkable contributions highlight their enduring legacy.
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