6-0 Thrashing: Five Shocking Takeaways From The Al Nassr Vs Inter Miami Riyadh Season Cup

The highly-anticipated "Last Dance" between footballing titans Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi turned into a stunning rout on February 1, 2024, as Al Nassr delivered a brutal 6-0 thrashing to Inter Miami in the Riyadh Season Cup. This friendly match, meant to be a celebration of the era-defining rivalry, instead became a showcase of Al Nassr's firepower and a stark reminder of Inter Miami's pre-season struggles.

The final scoreline sent shockwaves across the football world, especially since the main event—the direct confrontation between the two legends—was largely absent. With Ronaldo sidelined by injury and Messi only appearing late as a substitute, the focus shifted entirely to the action on the pitch, where the Saudi Pro League side completely outclassed their Major League Soccer (MLS) opponents. Here are the most shocking takeaways from the one-sided demolition at the Kingdom Arena.

The Shocking Scoreline: Al Nassr's Six-Goal Masterclass

The 6-0 victory for Al Nassr was not just a win; it was a comprehensive dismantling of an Inter Miami side featuring high-profile stars like Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba. The Saudi club wasted no time, racing to a 3-0 lead within the first 12 minutes, effectively ending the contest before it had truly begun.

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The goals came from a variety of sources, highlighting Al Nassr's depth and attacking prowess. Otávio opened the scoring in the 3rd minute, followed quickly by Anderson Talisca in the 10th minute. The most spectacular moment of the first half, however, came from defender Aymeric Laporte, who scored a sensational goal from inside his own half, catching Miami goalkeeper Drake Callender off his line in the 12th minute.

The second half saw no let-up. Talisca completed his spectacular hat-trick with goals in the 51st (penalty) and 73rd minutes. Mohammed Maran added the sixth goal in the 68th minute, compounding the misery for the MLS team.

The Rise of Anderson Talisca: A Hat-Trick Hero

While the world tuned in for Ronaldo and Messi, it was Al Nassr's Brazilian forward, Anderson Talisca, who stole the show. His hat-trick was a masterclass in clinical finishing and movement. Talisca demonstrated why he is one of the most dangerous attackers in the Saudi Pro League, capitalizing on Inter Miami's defensive chaos.

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His performance was a clear statement that Al Nassr is more than just a one-man team, even with their captain missing. Talisca's three goals included a well-taken strike from an assist by Al Aliwa, a coolly converted penalty, and a final flourish to complete the rout.

The 'Last Dance' That Never Was: Ronaldo's Absence

The most devastating blow to the spectacle was the confirmed absence of Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese superstar was ruled out of the match due to a calf injury, shattering the hopes of millions who anticipated one final, direct clash with his long-time rival, Lionel Messi. The match had been heavily marketed as "The Last Dance," making Ronaldo's injury a huge disappointment for fans worldwide.

Ronaldo, however, was present in the stadium, watching from the stands. His animated reactions throughout the game, particularly after Laporte’s incredible long-range goal, became a major talking point on social media. While he couldn't play, his presence still added a layer of historical context to the event.

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Lionel Messi's Brief Cameo

In contrast to Ronaldo's full-match absence, Lionel Messi started the game on the bench for Inter Miami. He was introduced as a substitute in the 83rd minute, with the score already at 6-0. This late cameo was a small consolation for fans, but it was too little, too late to influence the result.

Messi's brief appearance, coming on for Leonardo Campana, highlighted the injury concerns and pre-season fatigue that plagued the Inter Miami squad. His lack of impact in the final minutes was a footnote to a night dominated by Al Nassr's brilliance.

Tactical Breakdown: How Al Nassr Dismantled Inter Miami

The scoreline was a direct reflection of the performance metrics. Al Nassr was simply sharper, more clinical, and tactically superior from the opening whistle. Their pressing and quick transitions completely overwhelmed the Inter Miami midfield, which struggled to control the pace or maintain possession under pressure.

Statistically, Al Nassr demonstrated superior attacking intent, recording 16 total shots compared to Inter Miami's 10. More importantly, Al Nassr’s Expected Goals (xG) stood at 3.75, significantly higher than Inter Miami’s 1.29, indicating that the final 6-0 score was not a fluke but a result of capitalizing on high-quality chances.

The midfield battle, featuring Marcelo Brozović for Al Nassr against Busquets for Miami, was heavily won by the Saudi side. Brozović, who assisted the first goal, dictated the tempo and ensured a constant supply line to the attacking trio.

The Aftermath and Implications for Both Clubs

For Al Nassr, the victory served as a significant morale booster and a powerful statement of intent. Even without their talisman, they proved they possess a deep, high-quality squad capable of dominating international opposition. This result fuels their confidence as they continue their pursuit of the Saudi Pro League title and the AFC Champions League. The team demonstrated excellent cohesion and execution, suggesting a promising trajectory for the rest of their 2024 campaign.

For Inter Miami, the 6-0 defeat is a major concern. It was their second heavy loss in a row during their pre-season tour, following a 4-3 defeat to Al-Hilal. The results expose significant defensive vulnerabilities and a lack of match fitness. Coach Gerardo "Tata" Martino faces immense pressure to resolve these issues before the start of the 2024 MLS season. The team’s reliance on its star players, who are either injured or fatigued, is a clear problem that needs immediate attention.

The Riyadh Season Cup match, despite the disappointing absence of the full Ronaldo vs. Messi duel, will be remembered for its shocking final score and the dominant performance of Anderson Talisca. It served as a dramatic, albeit one-sided, chapter in the ongoing narrative of the global football landscape, highlighting the growing power of the Saudi Pro League.