Al-Hilal are only Saudi club in action at this year’s Club World Cup, securing qualification because they won the 2021 AFC Champions League. Messi will be present at the Club World Cup because he plays for Major League Soccer (MLS) side Inter Miami, who are owned by David Beckham.

Cristiano Ronaldo says he’s almost certain he will not be playing at the Club World Cup. It deals a blow to FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s hopes of having one of soccer’s biggest attractions at the tournament starting June 14.

Ronaldo's pronouncement ends weeks of speculation, including by FIFA boss Gianni Infantino about whether the star would play