Ronaldo Injury Blow: Mexico Friendly Ticket Prices Plummet

Excitement for the highly anticipated international friendly between Mexico and Portugal has taken a significant hit following confirmation that superstar Cristiano Ronaldo is injured and likely to miss the historic clash.

The Portuguese icon, who recently turned 41, sustained the injury during Al-Nassr’s 3-1 victory over Al Fayha on Saturday, 28th February, forcing him to leave the pitch. His club initially confirmed a hamstring issue on Tuesday, but the prognosis has since worsened.

Al-Nassr’s manager, Jorge Jesus, provided a concerning update ahead of their weekend league match against Neom SC, revealing the injury is more severe than initially diagnosed. Consequently, Ronaldo is set to travel to Madrid for specialised treatment, casting serious doubt on his availability for Portugal’s upcoming international fixtures.

Portugal has scheduled these friendlies as part of their preparation for future competitions, with a marquee match against Mexico at the iconic Estadio Azteca on 28th March, followed by a clash with the United States on 31st March.

For Mexican fans, the game at the Azteca represented a unique, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Despite his legendary status, Ronaldo has never played a competitive or friendly match on Mexican soil, making his potential debut in the country a massive draw.

However, the prospect of Ronaldo’s absence has sent shockwaves through the ticket market. Prices, which had soared to as high as 10,000 Mexican pesos just a few weeks ago, have crashed dramatically. Sellers are now struggling to offload tickets, with prices dipping to around 4,000 pesos – and in some cases, even lower.

While Ronaldo’s illustrious career is in its twilight, he remains the heartbeat of the Portuguese national team, holding the records for both the most caps and the most goals in the country’s history. His absence would not only diminish the star power of the friendly but also deny Mexican fans the chance to see one of football’s greatest players in the flesh.