Cristiano Ronaldo gets Hong Kong hero’s welcome, avoids Lionel Messi pitfall

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Cristiano Ronaldo during the Saudi Super Cup match between Al-Nassr and Al-Ittihad at the Hong Kong Stadium on Aug 19.

PHOTO: AFP

HONG KONG – Cristiano Ronaldo was given a hero’s welcome on Aug 19 as he played a pivotal role for his Saudi side Al Nassr in Hong Kong – where great rival Lionel Messi became public enemy No. 1 last year for failing to play.

The 40-year-old former Manchester United and Real Madrid ace got an assist in a 2-1 Saudi Super Cup win over Al Ittihad, who had French veteran and Ronaldo’s former Real teammate Karim Benzema up front.

“Ronaldo, Ronaldo,” rang out from the moment that he came out to warm up on a sweltering and damp evening in southern China, where several pitch invaders unsuccessfully tried to get to him at the end.

Cheers went up every time that the Portuguese captain, wearing his trademark No. 7 shirt, touched the ball.

It was all a far cry from the rabid reaction Messi sparked when he remained on the bench for an Inter Miami friendly at the same Hong Kong Stadium in February last year.

The Argentine wizard’s no-show drew boos and calls for refunds from thousands of fans who had paid large sums to see the World Cup-winning captain play.

The 38-year-old said he was injured but that failed to quell a spectacular fallout that saw China cancel two friendly matches featuring Argentina.

Some nationalist politicians and outlets in China interpreted Messi’s absence – and his subsequent appearance at a similar match in Japan –