YouTuber replicates iconic Lionel Messi celebration in front of Cristiano Ronaldo’s locker room; Al-Nassr respond with official statement

Lionel Messi (left) and Cristiano Ronaldo (right) (image via Getty)

YouTuber Abu Omar recently mimicked Lionel Messi’s iconic World Cup 2024 celebration against the Netherlands in front of Cristiano Ronaldo’s locker room while visiting Al-Nassr’s dressing room at Al-Awwal Park. Soon after the incident, Al-Nassr issued an official statement, condemning the gesture.

Abu Omar visited the Al-Nassr dressing room with other members of Team Falcons, a Saudi Arabian esports team. Besides replicating the iconic Lionel Messi celebration, videos of them playing with the tactical board inside the dressing room also went viral.

Netherlands v Argentina: Quarter Final – FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 – Source: Getty

In Al-Nassr’s official statement condemning the actions (released on September 16), it was written:

“We would like to point out that Al-Nassr Club has always been welcoming to its visitors, fans and lovers. Throughout its long history, the team’s doors have always been open to everyone. However, what occurred yesterday inside the dressing room at Al-Awal, marked by individual irresponsible behavior, is unacceptable.”

“They showed a lack of respect for the club’s fans. At Al Nassr Club Company, we have instructed the relevant internal departments to take immediate action to protect the club’s intellectual, moral, and material rights,” the management added.

In the final part of the statement, the club’s management explained that the door is always open for fans provided they uphold the integrity and respect for the club and its culture.

“It was fun to play against him” – When Lionel Messi opened up about playing against Cristiano Ronaldo

UEFA European Club Football Season Kick-Off 2019/2020 – UCL Draw – Source: Getty

Lionel Messi once shared his experience of playing against Cristiano Ronaldo, describing the rivalry as a concoction of exhilarating and exhausting. Their rivalry truly began when Cristiano Ronaldo joined Real Madrid in 2009. Over the years, their clashes during the El Clasico captured the attention of the entire globe, raising the stature of La Liga to unprecedented levels.

In a 2019 interview (via Football Italia), Lionel Messi was asked to name some players he rated highly. The Argentine named Neymar, Kylian Mbappe, Luis Suarez, and Eden Hazard but didn’t pick Cristiano Ronaldo. When the interviewer pointed it out, the Argentine remarked:

“I didn’t include Cristiano Ronaldo in that list, because I consider him to be on the same level as me. It was fun to play against him, even if he made me suffer too. It irritated me seeing Real Madrid lift trophies.”

“I do wish he was still in Spain, but I have a great deal of respect for Juventus. They seem a very strong squad, with excellent players, and are now even stronger with Cristiano,” he added.

The two have played 36 matches against each other, with Lionel Messi winning 16. Cristiano Ronaldo’s team was victorious on 11 occasions and nine matches have resulted in a stalemate.