Wednesday, August 26, 2026
The FOS App Launches September 1 Pre-save on the App Store Today

Saudi Government Auctions $2.6M Ticket for Messi-Ronaldo Matchup

  • The seat, dubbed the “Beyond Imagination” ticket, was originally set at $260,000.
  • It includes a chance to meet the two stars, and access to the trophy ceremony and locker rooms.
Yukihito Taguchi-USA TODAY Sports

The entertainment sector of the Saudi Arabian government has reportedly auctioned off a $2.6 million ticket for an exhibition soccer match on Thursday that will feature both Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.

The two haven’t faced off since December 2020. The match could be the last time 37-year-old Ronaldo and 35-year-old Messi play against each other.

  • The seat, dubbed the “Beyond Imagination” ticket, was originally set at $260,000.
  • It includes a chance to meet the two stars, and access to the trophy ceremony and locker rooms.
  • The money from the ticket will go to charity, rather than the government.

In December, Ronaldo inked a two-year deal with Saudi Arabian championship club Al Nassr that’s reportedly worth more than $216 million. Thursday’s exhibition is between a group of players from two Saudi teams and Paris Saint-Germain, Messi’s club.

Ronaldo will play his first game for Al Nassr on Sunday. 

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up for
The Memo Newsletter

Get the biggest stories and best analysis on the business of sports delivered to your inbox twice every weekday and twice on weekends.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Mark Walter, CEO of Guggenheim Partners, speaks during a reception hosted by U.S. President Donald Trump for the reigning Major League Baseball (MLB) World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers in the Rose Garden at the White House, Washington, D.C., U.S., July 23, 2026.

Walter’s Company Says There’s No Fraud, No Victim, and No Fire Sale

TWG Global insists the Dodgers are not up for grabs.

Europe Set to Drop FIFA Boycott Ahead of Women’s U-20 World Cup

The tournament was set to be the first hit by the boycott.
Exclusive

NWSL’s Stars Will Return to Northwestern Lakeside Stadium

The NWSL club originally sought to play in the new Ryan Field.

Leandro Paredes Hit With 10-Game Ban for World Cup Final Brawl

The Argentine midfielder attacked two Spanish players after the whistle.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

A Conversation about Unrivaled’s $650M Valuation with Co-Founder Alex Bazzell

0:00

Featured Today

Deshaun Watson Has Done the Impossible: Unite Browns Fans

Watson was named the starter after complaining boos were “personal.”
August 23, 2026

Dan Snyder ‘Invisible’ in NFL Three Years After Commanders Sale

Snyder has had little to no contact with former NFL associates.
Soccer Football - Premier League - Arsenal v Burnley - Emirates Stadium, London, Britain - May 18, 2026 Arsenal's Kai Havertz scores their first goal past Burnley's Max Weiss
August 21, 2026

Why the Premier League’s Star-Power Shortage Doesn’t Matter

The world’s richest soccer league doesn’t rely on big stars to dominate.
August 12, 2026

Trendy Golf Hat Divide Is More Than a Fashion Fight

As golf has gotten trendier, so has the sport’s style.
Joey Spallina of the Maryland Whipsnakes
August 6, 2026

How Eye Black Became ‘War Paint’ on the Field

“You’re going into battle, doing something you only do on game days.”
Sponsored

The Football Marketing Offensive Playbook

How to activate during the moments that matter most to football fans.
Sponsored

How Long Acre Tavern Is Built to Handle Soccer’s Biggest Moments

Learn how Spectrum Business helps keep Long Acre Tavern in Times Square connected and ready to serve soccer fans from around the world.
Sponsored

Inside the EY 2026 Sports Engagement Index: The Real Map of American Sports Participation

EY’s latest index explores how shifting U.S. fan behaviors are expanding the definition of sports engagement.
Sponsored

Kerri Walsh Jennings’s Playbook for the Future of Volleyball

The former gold medalist talks NCAA, the Olympics, & investing in volleyball.
Sponsored

The Hidden Economy of Race Weekend

Learn more about the Vintage Flying Museum and how Spectrum Business is helping them achieve their business goals while fueling their dreams.
Apr 4, 2026; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Detail view of the Masters gnomes during the final round of the Augusta National Women's Amateur golf tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Michael Madrid-Imagn Images
April 8, 2026

Masters Gnome Mania Dominating Merch Sales in Augusta

The limited supply of the souvenir sells out quickly daily.
Masters
April 7, 2026

Masters Private Jet Demand Nears 4,000 Flights—and Counting

Augusta annually welcomes thousands of private jets during the Masters.
Exclusive
January 20, 2026

Mike Repole and Tom Brady’s NoBull Gets $1B Valuation

NoBull raised $50 million, signed Livvy Dunne, and plans a nutrition division.