<p>Saudi club Al-Nassr abruptly canceled a two-game tour in China after star player Cristiano Ronaldo suffered a calf injury. Reporters spotted Ronaldo wearing tape around his lower leg, however, the decision to suspend the trip to China is a serious one. Al-Nassr was already in Shenzhen taking part in its usual training. Yet, Al-Nassr’s two friendlies against Shanghai Shenhua and Zhejiang will happen at a later date. </p>



<p>Al-Nassr admitted that much of the reason for canceling the trip centers around the unavailability of Cristiano Ronaldo. <a href="https://twitter.com/AlNassrFC_EN/status/1749780936365899810" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The club mentioned that the reasons</a> were out of its control, but that is just a way of saying Ronaldo’s injury will keep him out of this game. According to reports, the Portuguese star’s injury will keep him out of the squad for two to three weeks. The organizers of the event said they were saddened to report his knock put an early end to the tour.</p>



<p>The friendlies are not entirely off the table, though. Al-Nassr and the organizers of the friendlies agreed that the Saudi club would return to China at a later date. There is no confirmation as to when that is, but Ronaldo’s availability with Al-Nassr certainly plays a role.</p>



<h2>Cristiano Ronaldo out of China tour, Al-Nassr vs Inter Miami next?</h2>



<p>“Unfortunately, I have some problem, but this is part of football and my life,” Ronaldo said. “I’m here, I’m with the fans, I’m with the Chinese people and we are going to continue here. We can see outside the people that are with us, we are sad because we knew this could happen. We will be back to make the Chinese people happy, this is my goal. I want to play for you.”</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="670" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20240123_WST_485118_Ronaldo-Al-Nassr-tour-1200x670_cf05e87a.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=670" alt="" class="wp-image-485133" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/01/Ronaldo-Al-Nassr-tour-1200x670.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/01/Ronaldo-Al-Nassr-tour-300x168.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/01/Ronaldo-Al-Nassr-tour-768x429.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/01/Ronaldo-Al-Nassr-tour.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



<p>Ronaldo, like his club, expressed his remorse for missing out on the tour in China. He reiterated his adoration for the country while saying he was looking forward to playing in front of his fans there. </p>



<p>“As you know, in football some things you cannot control. I have played 22 years in football and I am a player that doesn’t have too many injuries. So I’m really sad because Al-Nassr and myself have come to China to enjoy the tour. I have been coming to China since 2003/2004, so I feel at home here – my second home.</p>



<p>With Al-Nassr in a midseason break, it also scheduled games against fellow Saudi side Al-Hilal and Major League Soccer side Inter Miami. The latter of those set up what is likely the last game between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. However, the calf injury could rule the Portuguese out of that game. Inter Miami will still be making the trip, as Lionel Messi and company will also play Al-Hilal, one of the other clubs the Saudi Public Investment Fund owns.</p>



<h2>A hurt to MLS Season Pass?</h2>



<p>Major League Soccer revealed that it will have <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/mls-makes-broadcast-plans-for-inter-miamis-preseason-games-20240119-WST-484286.html">coverage of the Inter Miami preseason tour</a> on <a href="https://tv.apple.com/channel/tvs.sbd.7000?itsct=wst_mls&amp;itscg=30200&amp;at=1010l35s4&amp;ct=rvo" rel="sponsored nofollow">MLS Season Pass</a>. Having a game between Cristiano Ronaldo and Inter Miami on the platform would grow the audience base before a major 2024 campaign. The lack of affects the overall interest, especially since Sadio Mane is also out because he is on international duty with Senegal. </p>



<p><em>PHOTOS: IMAGO</em></p>

Al-Nassr cancels China tour with Cristiano Ronaldo injury

Saudi club Al-Nassr abruptly canceled a two-game tour in China after star player Cristiano Ronaldo suffered a calf injury.

<p>Argentina will have a lot riding in 2024 since they are the current regional and world champions. Another major championship would put them in a better position to defend their other crown in the future.</p>



<p>With each game that <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/how-to-watch-messi-in-inter-miamis-first-2-friendlies-of-2024-20240116-WST-483715.html">Lionel Messi</a> plays, Argentina reaches new heights. That being said, the 36-year-old also adds more trophies to his already famous career.</p>



<p>Having said that, expectations have reached almost unprecedented levels. In the lead-up to the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/copa-america-tv-schedule/">Copa America</a>, each game this year carries the weight of the squad’s past trophies.</p>



<p><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nations/argentina-national-team-tv-schedule/">Argentina</a> approaches 2024 with a lot to gain and a lot to lose. Especially, since their head coaching situation is unknown due to worries over Lionel Scaloni’s future.</p>



<h2>Two friendlies await in March when Argentina goes to China</h2>



<p>Lionel Messi will be competing in the 2024 Copa America this summer in the USA for the CONMEBOL championship. The team’s goal is to defend its title.</p>



<p>They will play their playoff qualifier to secure a spot in Group A. However, their first-round match opponent is still up in the air. Canada and Trinidad and Tobago have to face each other.</p>



<p>Argentina is also faced with the ongoing challenge of qualifying for the 2026 <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-tv-schedule/">World Cup</a>. They now hold the top spot in the rankings, although they are facing challenges from a revitalized Uruguay and Colombia.</p>



<p>Up until this point, the Argentine FA has been silent on the subject of confirmed friendly fixtures. In March and June, Messi and his teammates will play two international friendlies to be ready for the competition.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="670" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20240117_WST_483936_Argentina-squad-1200x670_53ba1a88.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=670" alt="" class="wp-image-483964" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/01/Argentina-squad-1200x670.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/01/Argentina-squad-300x168.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/01/Argentina-squad-768x429.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/01/Argentina-squad.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



<h2>Smart idea or a profit stunt?</h2>



<p>Some news outlets have reported that in two months, Scaloni’s squad will go to China to play a European side and the China national team.</p>



<p>Two friendly matches featuring Argentina are going to take place in March. In the next FIFA international window, they will face off against China and another European team, says Gaston Edul of <a href="https://www.tycsports.com/seleccion-argentina/la-seleccion-argentina-jugara-los-dos-amistosos-de-marzo-en-china-los-posibles-rivales-id558318.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">TyC Sports</a>.</p>



<p>The dates would fall inside the FIFA window, which begins on March 18 and ends on March 26. The reigning World Cup winners, per <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/josephosullivan/2024/01/17/are-argentina-putting-profit-ahead-of-copa-america-preparation/?sh=6ac4a2977d40" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Forbes</a>, have agreed to play one of the clashes in Beijing and the other in Hangzhou. The two cities are over 1,300km apart.</p>



<p>Rumor has it that the first exhibition match would pit the squad against a European side—albeit a lower-tier European squad. Hungary, the Czech Republic, Croatia, and Turkey are all potential opponents.</p>



<p>While negotiating with the Chinese, La Albiceleste was unable to secure Uruguay’s participation in one of the friendly matches. But many supporters of the nation are unhappy because the upcoming Asian games in the middle of March are just a ‘money-making stunt.’</p>



<p>A few short months from then, they will be back in the US trying to defend their Copa America crown. The supporters think that if they played tougher opponents and traveled less, they would be better prepared for the event.</p>



<p>This was Argentina’s precise strategy when they traveled to Asia last year to face Indonesia in Jakarta and Australia in China. The organization earned $6 million from the trip. Nevertheless, it is a substantial sum but pales in comparison to the $42 million they received as a prize for winning the 2022 World Cup.</p>



<p><em>PHOTOS: IMAGO</em></p>

Messi returns to China: Two friendlies for Argentina in March

Argentina and Lionel Messi will have a lot riding in 2024, which puts emphasis on the friendlies the side scheduled in China for March.


<p>Inter Miami’s upcoming tour of China has hit multiple snags just days before the squad is set to travel. The <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/mls-tv-schedule/">Major League Soccer</a> side previously announced that they would play two friendlies in the Asian nation in November. Nevertheless, one of venues for the matchups has been changed, while the other is cancelled.</p>



<p>Miami is still scheduled to face Qingdao Hainiu on Sunday, November 5th. The matchup, however, will take place at a different stadium than originally planned. Qingdao was previously planning to host Miami at the Qingdao Youth Football Stadium. Nevertheless, the two teams will now play at the smaller Wuyuan River Stadium in Hainan. </p>



<p>Qingdao still has a pair of Chinese Super League fixtures remaining on their schedule before facing Miami. The club next hosts Dalian Pro before finishing their campaign against Cangzhou Mighty Lions one day prior to the friendly. Qingdao currently sits 13th in the Chinese top flight table, seven points from safety.</p>



<h2>Second China tour match canceled for ‘various reasons’</h2>



<p>While a late change of venue is not necessarily a massive issue, news came on Friday that the second match of the China tour was off. Inter Miami were preparing to face Chengdu Rongcheng on Wednesday, November 8th. However, this game will now not take place at all.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="670" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20231028_WST_465530_becks-1200x670.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=670" alt="" class="wp-image-465647" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/10/becks-1200x670.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/10/becks-300x168.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/10/becks-768x429.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/10/becks.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure><figcaption>David Beckham retains an incredible reputation in Asia</figcaption></figure>



<p>Miami has yet to publicly confirm the cancelation, but tour organizers have reportedly verified the decision. Although they would not go into full details, the organizers cited “various reasons” for scrapping the game. “We are sorry that the second leg of Inter Miami Football Club’s trip to China will not be held in Chengdu due to various reasons. We ask for your understanding,” organizers told the <em><a href="https://www.scmp.com/print/sport/football/article/3239406/lionel-messi-and-inter-miamis-china-tour-plunges-further-chaos-organisers-cancel-second-match" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">South China Morning Post</a></em>.</p>



<p>Chengdu Rongcheng also has two Chinese Super League fixtures remaining in their 2023 season as well. The Sichuan side is sixth in the league standings and currently fighting for a spot in the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/afc-champions-league-tv-schedule/">AFC Champions League</a> group stage. They are currently four points behind the final automatic qualification place in the competition.</p>



<h2>Ticketing issues also causing headache for fans</h2>



<p>In addition to scheduling changes, Miami’s mini tour of China is also experiencing ticketing issues as well. Miami had previously announced that tickets for the games would go on sale on Thursday, October 26 at 4AM (ET) on the Chinese event platform Damai. However, the company claimed that this wasn’t exactly the case. Damai are a new club as of August.</p>



<p>“We have not received the ticket issue notice for the Miami China trip schedule on October 26,” Damai <a href="https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3239296/lionel-messis-chinese-fans-upset-inter-miami-match-moves-location-amid-confusion-over-ticket-sales" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">said</a> in an official statement. “Please refer to the domestic official channels of the event for release.”</p>



<p>Miami has yet to address the canceled friendly fixture. It also remains to be seen if the American club will attempt to schedule another match or just play the single game in Hainan. </p>



<p>Chinese soccer fans are hoping to watch Miami superstar Lionel Messi play during the tour. His home nation of <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nations/argentina-national-team-tv-schedule/">Argentina</a>, however, will face two tough <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-qualifiers-tv-schedule/">World Cup qualifying</a> games in the month of November as well. The reigning world champions will host <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nations/uruguay-national-team-tv-schedule/">Uruguay</a> on November 16th before traveling to <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nations/brazil-national-team-tv-schedule/">Brazil</a> four days later. The significant matchups may hinder Messi’s playing time in China.</p>



<p>Photo credit: IMAGO / ZUMA Wire : IMAGO / Agencia-MexSport</p>


Confusion hits Inter Miami's China tour after canceled friendly

Inter Miami's China tour has hit a stumbling block after one of the two planned fixtures was mysteriously canceled


<p>China will be planning an official bid to host the 2031 Women’s World Cup. The Chinese Football Association and Chinese sports, education and finance ministies put together the <a href="https://www.sportspromedia.com/news/china-2031-womens-world-cup-fifa-cfa/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">strategy</a>.</p>



<p>If selected, it would be the country’s third time hosting the tournament. Previously, China hosted the 1991 and 2007 tournaments.</p>



<p>The Asian country is attempting to regrow the sport back to levels attained in the 1990s. China previously finished second in the Women’s World Cup in 1999 and the 1996 Summer Olympics. They even won gold medals during the Asian Games in 1990, 1994, and 1998. However, silverware has eluded the women’s Chinese team in recent years.</p>



<h2>China looks to host 2031 Women’s World Cup</h2>



<p>Nevertheless, the country is working on broadening development once again. “Chinese women’s soccer has witnessed great growth over the past 10 years,” <a href="http://www.china.org.cn/sports/2022-10/26/content_78486228.htm" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">claimed</a> China star Wang Shuang. “Now we are enjoying a lot more attention from society and we have more and more quality training bases across the nation, as well as quality facilities and training methods.”</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20221101_WST_406438_China-World-Cup-1200x675.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" alt="China World Cup 2031" class="wp-image-406451" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2022/11/China-World-Cup-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2022/11/China-World-Cup-300x169.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2022/11/China-World-Cup-768x432.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2022/11/China-World-Cup.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></div></figure>



<p>“We have a much better system and youth training, as I’m seeing a growing number of girls starting to play soccer. When we didn’t have these scientific training facilities and methods, we were actually not clear what we could achieve after a tough training session.” </p>



<p>Currently, China ranks <a href="https://www.fifa.com/fifa-world-ranking/women?dateId=ranking_20221013" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">15th</a> in the FIFA Women’s World rankings heading into next summer’s <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/womens-world-cup-tv-schedule/">Women’s World Cup in Australia/New Zealand</a>. They have apparently set a goal to at least qualify for the quarterfinals of the upcoming tournament and the 2024 Olympic games. This goal would then turn to a push for a semifinal place in the 2031 World Cup and 2032 Olympics.</p>



<p>Hosts for the 2027 Women’s World Cup have not yet been announced. However, South Africa and a joint bid between Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands have already submitted proposals.</p>



<p><em>PHOTO: IMAGO / Sportimage</em></p>



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China is preparing Women's World Cup bid for 2031, which would potentially open the door for the United States four years prior to that.

Al-Nassr cancels China tour with Cristiano Ronaldo injury

Al Nassr