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Thursday, January 1, 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. 

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