While Lionel Messi is thriving in Major League Soccer, Cristiano Ronaldo has just won his first championship in Saudi Arabia.

The former Real Madrid star scored twice in Al Nassr’s 2-1 victory over Al-Hilal in the final of the Arab Club Champions Cup, his greatest accomplishment since moving to Saudi Arabia and the club’s first championship in the tournament.

The winning goal was scored in the 98th minute, when Al Nassr was playing with 10 men.

In December 2022, Ronaldo reportedly signed a contract worth more than $200 million per year, which was the first step in Saudi Arabia’s strategy to bolster its soccer league by signing any big name who would accept the money. It was all part of a larger effort by the nation to redefine itself through sports on the international stage.

Karim Benzema, Roberto Firmino, N’Golo Kanté, Edouard Mendy, Ruben Neves, and Jota were more receptive than Karim Benzema, Roberto Firmino, N’Golo Kanté, Edouard Mendy, and Ruben Neves. Saturday at Al Nassr, Ronaldo was joined on the field by Sadio Mané, Seko Fofana, and Marcelo Brozovi, among others.

Michael scored the first goal for Al Hilal in the 51st minute. Michael imitated Ronaldo’s signature celebration, which ended up looking foolish when Ronaldo equalized the score in the 74th minute and won the game in overtime.

Ronaldo won the tournament’s golden boot with six goals, but he had to be carried off the field a few minutes after scoring his second goal. However, he appeared to be in good spirits while dancing with the trophy and posting on social media after the game, so it is possible that the injury is minor.

However, Ronaldo and Al Nassr won’t have much time to celebrate, as their Saudi Pro League opener is scheduled for Monday against Al Ettifaq.