Ronaldo vs Messi: Injury puts showdown in doubt as Cristiano Ronaldo issues apology for postponed tour

Friendlies in China called off ahead of highly anticipated reunion between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi nears

Cristiano Ronaldo’s hopes of a final showdown with Lionel Messi next week have been thrown into doubt after the Portugal forward picked up an injury.

Al-Nassr had been due to play Chinese sides Shanghai Shenhua and Zhejiang this week, but both friendlies were postponed after an injury to Ronaldo.

Fans upset by the postponement of the China tour gathered at the team’s hotel in Shenzhen and Ronaldo issued an apology.

“I have played for 22 years and I am a player that doesn’t have too many injuries,” he said.

“I’m really sad because Al-Nassr and myself have come to China to enjoy the tour.

“We have not cancelled the game, we want to push for the game and to be back here.”

In a statement, Al-Nassr said: “We are sad to announce that, unfortunately, and for reasons beyond Al-Nassr’s control, the event comprised of two matches scheduled on the 24th and 28th of January has been postponed to a date to be defined.

“We are willing to complete our training camp as planned in Shenzhen, a city that has warmly welcomed us and shown so much love for us and our captain.

“We have agreed with the organiser to schedule a new match as soon as possible.”

After the two friendlies, Al-Nassr were due to travel to Riyadh for a friendly against Messi's Inter Miami on February 1.

The match was being building as a final showdown between the two legends, but Ronaldo’s injury has thrown that into doubt.

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