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RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (AP) — Lionel Messi and Inter Miami kicked off their tour of Saudi Arabia by losing to Al-Hilal 4-3 on Monday. The Major League Soccer team is playing two games in the oil-rich kingdom as part of its preseason preparations, but even Messi could not inspire it to victory in Riyadh. While Messi got on the score sheet with a second-half penalty, Malcom came up with the decisive goal to win the match in the 88th. He ultimately opted for a move to the United States to join David Beckham's Miami and quickly led the team to its first trophy, the Leagues Cup. Just when Miami looked to have a draw, Malcom came up with the winner.

Persons: — Lionel Messi, Messi, Malcom, Hilal, Germain, David Beckham's Miami, Cristiano Ronaldo's Al, Nasser, Aleksandar Mitrovic, Abdullah Al, Hamdan, Luis Suarez, Michael, Messi's, David Ruiz, ___ Organizations: Inter Miami, Al, Major League Soccer, Messi, Paris Saint, Leagues, Newcastle, Fulham Locations: RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Hilal, Riyadh, Paris, United States, Miami, Hong Kong, Japan, Al

“The district court clearly recognized the gravity of dismissing the case and accordingly provided a thorough analysis, amply supported by factual findings,” Judge Johnnie Rawlinson wrote in Tuesday's 6-page opinion. In dismissing the case in Nevada, Dorsey sanctioned Stovall for “bad faith,” saying he had improperly attempted to use documents that were leaked or stolen in a cyberattack to pursue Mayorga’s case. Mayorga's lawsuit claimed conspiracy, defamation, breach of contract, coercion and fraud. By the time Dorsey threw out the case, Stovall claimed Mayorga should receive for more than $25 million in damages. “The district court did not abuse its discretion when it found that a case-terminating sanction was appropriate,” the ruling said.

Persons: Cristiano Ronaldo, Kathryn Mayorga's, Jennifer Dorsey, Ronaldo, Mayorga, Leslie Mark Stovall, ”, Johnnie Rawlinson, Stovall, Al Nassr, Dorsey, Mayorga wasn’t, Der Spiegel, Cristiano, Steve Wolfson, Judge Dorsey “, Mayorga's counsel's Organizations: —, Associated Press, Spanish, Real Madrid, Juventus, Manchester United, Saudi Arabian, Circuit, Ronaldo, Football Locations: RENO, Nev, Las Vegas, San Francisco, refiling, England, Nevada, Clark

☆ Ten Hag primed to end false dawns at Man United
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-04 | by ( Aadi Nair | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Since United last won the Premier League title under Alex Ferguson in 2013, David Moyes, Louis van Gaal, Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer have all failed to revive former glories - but Ten Hag appears to be making progress. Last year, he took charge of a United side that had collected their lowest-ever Premier League points tally (58) in the 2021-22 season and were in a five-year trophy drought. The turnaround has been remarkable, with a top-four finish in the Premier League, the League Cup trophy and a place in the FA Cup final to show for last season. "I think the difference is, with reference to last year, now we have the foundation with this squad," Ten Hag told reporters. If Ten Hag can stop the uncertainty over the club's ownership from spilling over into his dressing room, United have reason to believe they can challenge seriously to win the Premier League and end the recent dominance of Manchester City.

Persons: Erik, Hag, Tony Obrien, Alex Ferguson, David Moyes, Louis van Gaal, Jose Mourinho, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Bruno Fernandes, Lisandro Martinez, England's Mason, Andre Onana, David de Gea, Dane Rasmus Hojlund, Marcus Rashford, Cristiano, Harry Maguire, Aadi Nair, Ed Osmond Organizations: Soccer, Manchester United, Newcastle United, Wembley, Carabao, United, Premier League, Ajax, League, FA, Liverpool, Brentford, Manchester City, Sevilla, Atalanta, United's U.S, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Thomson Locations: London, Britain, Casemiro, Bengaluru

☆ Frenchman Dembele signs for Al-Ettifaq
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-26 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

July 26(Reuters) - French striker Moussa Dembele has joined Al-Ettifaq as a free agent following the expiry of his contract at Olympique Lyonnais, the Saudi Pro League club said on Wednesday. "Moussa Dembele, welcome to Al-Ettifaq," the club posted on messaging platform X, previously known as Twitter. Dembele proved to be a sensation in the Scottish league after signing for Celtic in 2016, helping them to back-to-back treble titles. Following Cristiano Ronaldo's move to Al-Nassr in December, several big names have been linked with the Saudi Arabian Pro League. Reporting by Angelica Medina in Mexico City and Tommy Lund in GdanskOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Moussa Dembele, Dembele, Jack Hendry, Cristiano Ronaldo's, Nassr, Angelica Medina, Tommy Lund Organizations: Olympique Lyonnais, Saudi Pro League, Scottish, Celtic, Lyon, Atletico Madrid, Ligue, Scotland, Belgian, Club Brugge, Saudi Arabian Pro League, Thomson Locations: Mexico City, Gdansk

☆ Mbappe excluded from PSG's Asian tour squad
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-21 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

July 21 (Reuters) - Kylian Mbappe has not been included in Paris St Germain's squad for their Asian pre-season tour amid reports that he has been put up for sale by the Ligue 1 side. PSG President Nasser Al-Khelaifi has said they will not let him go for free after the club spent 180 million euros ($200 million) to sign him. Mbappe was injured for the first leg and said they were "helpless" in the second. PSG will also face Japan league's Cerezo Osaka and Serie A side Inter Milan before travelling to South Korea to take on Jeonbuk Motors. ($1 = 0.8990 euros)Reporting by Janina Nuno Rios in Mexico CityOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Mbappe, Nasser Al, Khelaifi, Luis Enrique's, Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr, Japan league's, Janina Nuno Rios Organizations: Paris St, Ligue, Mbappe, PSG, Real Madrid, Reuters, Champions League, Bayern Munich, Japan, Osaka, Serie A, Inter Milan, Jeonbuk Motors, Thomson Locations: Paris, Japan, South Korea, Mexico City

☆ Al Hilal coach Diaz ignoring Messi speculation with focus on Asian final
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-05 | by ( Michael Church | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

TOKYO, May 5 (Reuters) - Al Hilal coach Ramon Diaz refused to be drawn on claims the Saudi Arabian club are attempting to sign Lionel Messi as he focused on his side's clash with Urawa Red Diamonds in the second leg of the Asian Champions League final on Saturday. "Now we're focused on the game," said Diaz, whose side were held to a 1-1 draw in the first leg in Riyadh last week. "We have the final and after the final we'll see what's going to happen." Al Hilal are chasing a record-extending fifth Asian Champions League success and are the holders after defeating Pohang Steelers in the 2021 final. "This team won the Asian Champions League twice (in the last three editions).

☆ Ronaldo's Saudi title hopes revived after leaders lose
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-04 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

[1/2] Al-Nassr's Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates Saudi Arabia's Founding Day wearing local traditional clothes at Al-Nassr Football Club in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, February 22, 2023. Al-Nassr FC/Handout via REUTERSMay 4 (Reuters) - Cristiano Ronaldo's hopes of winning the Saudi league title with Al-Nassr were given a shot in the arm on Wednesday when leaders Ittihad lost 2-1 to Al-Taawoun. Ittihad are still in the driver's seat on 59 points, three ahead of Al Nassr, with five games left to play. Ronaldo, who has scored 12 league goals since joining Al-Nassr in January, posted a photo on Twitter with Al-Nassr's motto "ANA AALAMY" in Arabic in the early hours on Thursday. reporting by Ahmed El Khashab, writing by Shady Amir; Editing by Peter RutherfordOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ The week in Asian football
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-27 | by ( Michael Church | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

HONG KONG, Feb 27 (Reuters) - Talking points from the week in Asian football:RONALDO'S SAUDI SCORING STREAK CONTINUES WITH HAT-TRICKCristiano Ronaldo's scoring run continued on Saturday as the Portuguese attacker netted all three goals in Al Nassr's 3-0 victory over Damak. The 38-year-old capped the scoring a minute before halftime when he side-footed home after Ayman Yahya cut the ball back towards the penalty spot. The goal was Ronaldo's eighth in five league games since joining Al Nassr after the World Cup. The defeat was the second in a row for new Urawa coach Maciej Skorza and the Pole's team are bottom of the standings. JANKOVIC APPOINTED NEW CHINA COACHSerbian Aleksandar Jankovic has been named coach of the China national team for next year's Asian Cup and the qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup.

☆ Ronaldo's Saudi switch another symbol of Chinese decline
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-29 | by ( Michael Church | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

The Portuguese striker's Saudi Arabia switch following the cancellation of his Manchester United contract has highlighted a shift within Asian football that started before the COVID-19 pandemic and which continues to have a significant impact. With money pouring into clubs often owned by debt-fuelled property developers, the Chinese Super League (CSL) had been enticing an increasing number of leading players and coaches to the country since early last decade. The downturn in Chinese football has spared few. Two-time Asian champions Guangzhou FC, once Chinese football's dominant force, went into decline after their owners, developers China Evergrande, were forced to limit funding after the government restricted borrowing. With attention now squarely focused on the oil-funded riches on offer in a newly assertive Saudi Arabia, Chinese football's lustre has all but disappeared.

☆ Messi, Ronaldo start in Riyadh friendly
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-19 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

[1/2] Soccer Football - Friendly - Saudi Pro League XI v Paris St Germain - King Fahd International Stadium, Riyadh, Saudia Arabia - January 19, 2023 Fans hold up shirts with Al Nassr's Cristiano Ronaldo's and Paris St Germain's Lionel Messi's name on inside the stadium before the match REUTERS/Ahmed YosriRIYADH, Jan 19 (Reuters) - Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi will face off once again after the long-time rivals were named in the starting line-ups for the Riyadh Season Team and Paris St Germain respectively on Thursday, ahead of an exhibition match at the King Fahd Stadium. Al Nassr's Ronaldo will captain the Riyadh Season Team - a combined Saudi Pro League XI featuring players from Al Nassr and Al Hilal in Riyadh. The PSG starting line-up also includes France's Kylian Mbappe and Brazil's Neymar, as well as Ronaldo's former Real Madrid team mates Sergio Ramos and Keylor Navas. Reporting by Aadi Nair in Nashik, India Editing by Christian RadnedgeOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Saudi Arabia's new love for soccer could cause ripple effects across the sports world
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-06 | by ( Elliot Smith | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +8 min

Portuguese football star Cristiano Ronaldo poses for a photo with the jersey after signing with Saudi Arabia's Al-Nassr Football Club in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on December 30, 2022. Al Nassr Football Club / Handout/Anadolu Agency via Getty ImagesSoccer superstar Cristiano Ronaldo's move to Saudi club Al-Nassr, and the kingdom's growing investments in the sport, could have ripple effects across Europe and the U.S., experts have told CNBC. The former Real Madrid, Manchester United and Juventus star earlier this week contended that the "unique contract" was befitting of his status as a "unique player." The Financial Times reported in October that the Saudi PIF had committed more than $2 billion to sponsorship deals over the first eight months of 2022, most of which was directed toward domestic soccer competitions. The Saudi PIF's takeover of Newcastle United was met with criticism across the soccer world — deemed an effort to launder the country's reputation against the backdrop of a poor human rights record.

☆ Arsenal look real deal, Newcastle relentless and Tottenham fickle as battle resumes
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-28 | by ( Martyn Herman | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

ARSENAL BEGIN WHERE THEY LEFT OFFWhen Mikel Arteta's table toppers went behind early on against struggling West Ham United there were mutterings around the Emirates Stadium -- with fans perhaps fearing Arsenal's pre-break momentum had been lost. TOTTENHAM CONTINUE TO PUZZLETottenham's inability to show consistency, even throughout 90 minutes, was evident again in a 2-2 draw at Brentford. But, as so often this season, they showed that when in a self-inflicted hole, they can actually look like a good side. West Ham United look a shadow of the side that were so impressive last season and a fourth straight defeat heaped more pressure on manager David Moyes. Like West Ham, Everton are just above the drop zone but a home loss to Wolverhampton Wanderers was ominous and manager Frank Lampard will need positive results quickly to silence his critics.

In an Abidjan cafe where people were watching the game and drinking beer to celebrate the win, customer Jules Goule said Ivorians were proud of Morocco's win. "Through Morocco Africa has just shown that it can compete with other continents in football," he said. As the game wound on, Morocco fans screamed "Ole, ole, ole!" In the media box, a security guard, screaming with triumph, hugged a Moroccan journalist who was weeping with happiness. But in Rabat, joyful fans thronged the streets, people poured towards the downtown square where Morocco's victories are celebrated.

☆ Shocks aplenty but Asia again unrepresented at business end
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-06 | by ( Nick Mulvenney | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

DOHA, Dec 6 (Reuters) - Asia will again be unrepresented in the World Cup quarter-finals but several upset wins and vibrant displays have many in the continent feeling that the gap to the best teams is closing. Japan, South Korea and Australia made it out of the group stage for a record representation in the last 16 but none were able emulate the 2002 Taegeuk Warriors and the North Korean side of 1966 by making the quarter-finals. All the people that are involved in the football in Asia as well as Japan I think can share our happiness." Of all the success for the Asian confederation sides, Australia's progressing to the last 16 was perhaps the most surprising given they had scraped into the tournament via two playoffs. "I do believe that Asian football is getting stronger and stronger and stronger, and we're catching up quickly."

☆ South Korea beat Portugal to squeeze into next round at World Cup
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-02 | by ( Anita Kobylinska | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/8] Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 - Group H - South Korea v Portugal - Education City Stadium, Al Rayyan, Qatar - December 2, 2022 South Korea players celebrate after the match as South Korea qualify for the knockout stages REUTERS/Wolfgang RattayAL RAYYAN, Qatar, Dec 2 (Reuters) - South Korea scored a last-gasp goal to beat already-qualified Portugal 2-1 at the World Cup in a comeback win that sent the Asian side into the last 16 ahead of Uruguay on goals scored. South Korea had to beat Portugal at the Education City Stadium to stand a chance of going through to the last 16 and their win catapulted them from fourth to second place by virtue of having scored four goals in the tournament to Uruguay's two. Portugal finished top despite the loss and should avoid facing likely Group G winners Brazil in the knockout stage. However, they did manage to equalise 10 minutes later through defender Kim Young-gwon who scored after the ball bounced off Cristiano Ronaldo's back following a corner. Writing by William Schomberg and Anita Kobylinska; Editing by Ken FerrisOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Cristiano Ronaldo is 50-50 to play v S.Korea, says coach Santos
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-01 | by ( Fernando Kallas | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

AL RAYYAN, Qatar, Dec 1 (Reuters) - Portugal coach Fernando Santos said that Cristiano Ronaldo's availability is still in question for their closing Group H match against South Korea on Friday. "I think it is 50-50 if he plays or not, we'll see," Santos told a news conference on Thursday. After wins against Ghana and Uruguay, Portugal are first in the group standings on six points and can secure top spot with a draw or a win. South Korea still have a slim chance of qualifying. "I have complete confidence in all my players, I'm already missing three players, let's see about others," he said.

Interest in this niche breed of cryptocurrencies, typically linked to sports teams like Barcelona or Brazil, has been charged up by the soccer World Cup which began on Nov. 20. The token of Lionel Messi's Argentina side slumped 25% to $5.26 following the team's shock defeat by Saudi Arabia in their opening World Cup game. The broader crypto market malaise is partly to blame for price drops, according to researchers who said the flighty assets were wilting as investors shunned risk. "But the first perception should never be that you're buying the fan token from a profit-generating standpoint." It facilitates trading of most fan coins, describing buying such tokens as joining a loyalty scheme with exclusive benefits and prizes.

☆ Saudi Arabia wants its investors to own Manchester United and Liverpool
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-25 | by ( Rob Harris | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

Cristiano Ronaldo of Manchester United in action during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Liverpool FC on Aug. 22, 2022 in Manchester, England. Ash Donelon | Manchester United | Getty ImagesSaudi Arabia says it wants its investors to take over Manchester United and Liverpool – and hopes Cristiano Ronaldo comes to play in its domestic league. More from Sky Sports:Glazers open to selling Manchester United; Club valued around £5 billionWill Manchester United and Liverpool sales turn into bidding war? Manchester United sale Q&A: Who are the contenders? Cristiano Ronaldo of Manchester United walks on the pitch during a Premier League match between Manchester United and Liverpool FC on Aug. 22, 2022 in Manchester, England.

☆ Portugal ready to let their football do the talking against Ghana
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-22 | by ( William Schomberg | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

DOHA, Nov 22 (Reuters) - Portugal will be keen to let their football do the talking when they face Ghana in their World Cup opener on Thursday amid controversy over Cristiano Ronaldo's comments about Manchester United and tensions between the squad and the media. But Ghana - who reached the World Cup quarter-finals in 2016 - arrived on the Arabian Peninsula with wind their sails too after beating Switzerland 2-0 in a friendly. No problems," five-times Ballon D'Or winner Ronaldo said on Monday. read moreHe led Portugal to triumph at Euro 2016 but World Cup glory has eluded him and Qatar represents his last chance. The teams met at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil when Portugal won 2-1 thanks to a late winner by Ronaldo.

☆ Cristiano Ronaldo is in 'spectacular' form, says Portugal's Neves
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-20 | by ( Fernando Kallas | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

AL-SHEHANIYA, Qatar, Nov 20 (Reuters) - Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal team mate Ruben Neves says his captain is in "spectacular" shape as the team prepare for their opening World Cup match against Ghana on Thursday. Wolves midfielder Neves, one the leaders of the changing room, dismissed any speculation that 37-year-old Ronaldo was not in peak form, saying he looked like his old self in training. "From what I've seen in training, he's in spectacular shape," Neves told a news conference in tournament host Qatar on Sunday. "If we're good as a team, Cristiano will be phenomenal." "Sure, it's impossible for us to walk around without been asked about the controversy, but I don't think there's any controversy at all between us in the changing room," added 25-year-old Neves.

☆ Ronaldo interview is not a distraction for Portugal, coach Santos says
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-16 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Nov 16 (Reuters) - Portugal coach Fernando Santos said Cristiano Ronaldo's explosive interview has not been a distraction in the changing room as they prepare for a friendly against Nigeria in Lisbon on Thursday, the team's last match before they travel to Qatar for the World Cup. "The player decided to give an interview as many others have," Santos told a news conference on Wednesday in Lisbon. Santos said he had not heard any players mentioning the interview since they reported for duty on Monday. It (the interview) does not affect us at all," Santos said. He won't practice and won't be ready for tomorrow's game either," coach Santos said.

☆ Varane says Man Utd players affected by Ronaldo comments
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-16 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Nov 16 (Reuters) - France defender Raphael Varane said his Manchester United team mates were obviously affected by Cristiano Ronaldo's comments in a television interview that he did not respect manager Erik ten Hag and felt betrayed by the Premier League side. United said they would address the Portuguese forward's comments only after establishing the full facts but Varane said the situation had impacted players. Varane, who has also played alongside Ronaldo at Spanish side Real Madrid, said the team was ready to accept whatever United decides. "What I want is the best for my team, so whatever the decision, as players, we'll accept it and give the best of ourselves," Varane added. On Tuesday, Portugal midfielder Joao Mario said an awkward handshake between Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes was the result of a joke between team mates for club and country.

☆ Man United await facts before responding to Ronaldo situation
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-14 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Nov 14 (Reuters) - Manchester United said they would address forward Cristiano Ronaldo's comments that he felt betrayed by the club and was being forced out only after establishing the full facts. "Manchester United notes the media coverage regarding an interview by Cristiano Ronaldo. The club will consider its response after the full facts have been established," United said in a statement on Monday. United are fifth in the league table on 26 points from 14 games with the season pausing for the Nov. 20-Dec. 18 World Cup in Qatar. Ronaldo will captain Portugal in the tournament.

☆ Alejandro Garnacho: Manchester United youngster mimics Cristiano Ronaldo's celebration after scoring first goal
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-04 | by ( Ben Church | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Manchester United’s emerging star Alejandro Garnacho scored his first goal for the club in his side’s 1-0 Europa League win against Real Sociedad on Thursday. The teenager wheeled away in celebration before being mobbed by his teammates, including Cristiano Ronaldo who had provided the assist. Thanks Idol, @Cristiano,” Garnacho tweeted after the game. Now he’s getting his chances because he’s training better, has a different attitude, and he deserves it.”Garnacho celebrates with teammate Cristiano Ronaldo who provided the assist. United play Aston Villa in its next league match before facing the same side again during a midweek League Cup fixture.

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