Al-Hilal defender Yasser Al-Shahrani has detailed his excitement at facing Inter Miami and Lionel Messi later today in Saudi Arabia.
The Herons kick off the next leg of their pre-season tour this afternoon against Middle Eastern giants Al-Hilal, one of the biggest and most successful clubs in all of Asia.
With the likes of Ruben Neves, Aleksandar Mitrovic and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic in their squad, Inter Miami will face a big test today against Al-Hilal, where the injured Neymar also plies his trade.
And speaking to the press via journalist Maan Al-Quwaii, Saudi Arabia international Al-Shahrani revealed his excitement over facing Inter Miami today, with the defender keen to face off against Messi again.
The 31-year-old Al-Hilal right-back said when asked about his thoughts about facing Inter Miami: “A big match awaits us tomorrow and we are excited about it.
“We will play against a team with the best player in the world. I have faced Messi before, but every match is different and tomorrow’s match has its own preparations”
Al-Hilal could be Inter Miami’s hardest pre-season fixture
Whilst most of the attention will be on Inter Miami and Messi’s encounter with Al-Nassr and Cristiano Ronaldo later this week, Al-Hilal could give the Herons a real test.
The Blue Waves currently sit top of the Saudi Pro League by seven clear points and are yet to lose a league game this season in the division.
And for Inter Miami, the MLS franchise could face their biggest test yet this winter in Al-Hilal, who will want to put on a show and to prove they can beat Messi and company.
Moreover, a win for Al-Hilal will look good for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, who will view this mini pre-season tournament as another way to boost their international reputation through the medium of soccer.