Wednesday, July 22, 2026

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

World Cup Ignites MLS Ticket Sales, but Ratings Stay Mostly Flat

Single-game ticket sales for the Philadelphia Union are up 218%.
Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and his wife Lauren Sanchez attend the annual Allen and Co. Sun Valley Media and Technology Conference at the Sun Valley Resort in Sun Valley, Idaho, U.S., July 8, 2026.

Jeff Bezos Reportedly May Join Bid for Liverpool Stake

A deal could value the Premier League club at roughly $6 billion.

Will Mexican Soccer Ever Return to Promotion and Relegation?

Arturo Lomeli, owner of a Liga MX second-tier team, wants reforms.

World Cup Final Averaged More Than 66 Million Viewers

The final posted the largest U.S. television audience since the Super Bowl.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

7/22/26 – World Cup Final Ratings, ESPN Layoffs, LeBron Waits, WFAN to SiriusXM

0:00

Featured Today

Tom's Watch Bar

Sports Bars Are Cashing In From Summer of Soccer

The World Cup has brought a windfall to America’s biggest sports bars.
Jun 16, 2026; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; France forward Michael Olise (11) controls the ball against Senegal during a Group I match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at New York New Jersey Stadium
July 16, 2026

Where World Cup Stars Go to Customize Their Cleats

The world’s best players turn to a Scottish craftsman for perfect cleats.
July 10, 2026

What the World Cup Means to Erling Haaland’s Tiny Hometown

The tournament’s breakout star is from a rural Norwegian town.
July 10, 2026

Why So Many Media Outlets Are Rushing Into Sports

Sports coverage has ballooned in every corner of media.
Pillow Fight Championship
July 8, 2026

How Obscure Sports Get Mainstream TV Deals

For niche sports, getting on TV often matters more than getting paid.
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

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.
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.
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.
Sponsored

20 Years of Coastal Cool: How Johnnie-O Became a Force in Golf, Lifestyle, and Licensed Sports

A style movement powering one of the fastest-growing brands in sports and lifestyle.