Rijkaard and Messi to reunite in Saudi Arabia Spanish sports news site reports
Two Barcelona stars, one former and one current will soon cross paths in the Saudi Capital of Riyadh, as a friendly is planned between hosts Saudi Arabia and Argentina.
Spanish sports news site, Marca, reported on Saturday the former Barcelona coach and current boss of Saudi Arabia’s national football team, Frank Rijkaard will reunite with Argentinian Barcelona star striker Lionel Messi, as the two countries come head-to-head in the anticipated match.
Marca described the encounter would be “an emotional reunion”.
Dutchman Rijkaard is responsible for catapulting Messi’s career as the coach presented the striker his debut for Barcelona.
Criticism over the Saudi national team’s performance prompted the country to stage such match, following recent skepticism over Rijkaard’s contribution as coach. Saudi has not faced heavyweight nations in recent years; its last friendly of such caliber was against England in 1988.
Spanish sports news site, Marca, reported on Saturday the former Barcelona coach and current boss of Saudi Arabia’s national football team, Frank Rijkaard will reunite with Argentinian Barcelona star striker Lionel Messi, as the two countries come head-to-head in the anticipated match.
Marca described the encounter would be “an emotional reunion”.
Dutchman Rijkaard is responsible for catapulting Messi’s career as the coach presented the striker his debut for Barcelona.
Criticism over the Saudi national team’s performance prompted the country to stage such match, following recent skepticism over Rijkaard’s contribution as coach. Saudi has not faced heavyweight nations in recent years; its last friendly of such caliber was against England in 1988.
