Cristiano Ronaldo reacts to scathing taunts in Saudi Arabia - before heated argument with Jordan Henderson

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Cristiano Ronaldo let his emotions get the better of himself on Tuesday night while playing for Al-Nassr

Cristiano Ronaldo (7) of Al-Nassr in action during Saudi Arabia King's Cup football match between Al-Nassr and Al-Ettifaq at Al-Awwal Park, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on October 31, 2023. (Photo by Mohammed Saad/Anadolu via Getty Images)
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Cristiano Ronaldo faced taunts while playing in Saudi Arabia, in the same game he had a heated argument with Jordan Henderson. 

Facing Al-Ettifaq in the King Cup of Champions on Tuesday, fans chanted "Messi, Messi" at Cristiano Ronaldo, following the Argentine's eighth Ballon d'Or on Monday. 

Ronaldo, who didn't even make the 30-player shortlist, put his finger to his lips to shush the supporters before gesticulating at them to quiet down.  

Messi reacted slightly differently when asked on Monday night if he was the greatest player of all time, refusing to comment on his rivalry with Ronaldo over the years. 

"I don't know if I'm the best," Messi said. "I don't ask myself the question and it doesn't interest me. The fact that they say that I am one of the best is already an honour.

"All children want to play football and try to be one of the best.”

Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr reacts in response the chants of Al-Ettifaq fans during Saudi Arabia King's Cup football match between Al Nassr and Al-Ettifaq at Al-Awwal Park, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on October 31, 2023. (Photo by Mohammed Saad/Anadolu via Getty Images)

Ronaldo reacts to the chants of "Messi, Messi" (Image credit: Getty Images)

While Ronaldo's Al-Nassr side eventually won the last-16 clash with Al-Ettifaq thanks to a Sadio Mane winner, the drama didn't stop there for the Portugal legend. After an ill-tempered affair between the two sides, Ronaldo and Jordan Henderson angrily argued on the pitch at the King Saud University Stadium in Riyadh.

Footage shows Ronaldo confronting Henderson before the pair walked off the pitch in clear disagreement over an issue from the game. Ronaldo animatedly threw his arms in the air on multiple occasions at the former Liverpool captain, who tried to calm the 38-year-old's emotions somewhat. 

Cristiano Ronaldo argues with Jordan Henderson while playing for Al-Nassr against Al-Ettifaq

Ronaldo argues with Henderson at full-time (Image credit: @Ali_alabdallh)

The heated argument came after Henderson escaped a red card towards the end of the match by pushing over Al-Nassr midfielder Otavio twice. Otavio had been fouled by Al-Ettifaq midfielder Ali Hazazi, before Henderson backed his team-mate up.

Inevitably, a scuffle on the pitch broke out, with Ronaldo at the forefront of the Al-Nassr protestations. Hazazi, meanwhile, received a straight red card.

More Cristiano Ronaldo stories

Cristiano Ronaldo has edged out Lionel Messi to lead Forbes' football rich list for 2023.

According to reports, the Portuguese is planning to play on to the 2026 World Cup, when he will be 41 years old.

And the former Manchester United forward has hit back at his critics, saying he is far from done yet.

Ryan Dabbs
Ryan Dabbs
Staff writer

Ryan is a staff writer for FourFourTwo, joining the team full-time in October 2022. He first joined Future in December 2020, working across FourFourTwo, Golf Monthly, Rugby World and Advnture's websites, before eventually earning himself a position with FourFourTwo permanently. After graduating from Cardiff University with a degree in Journalism and Communications, Ryan earned a NCTJ qualification to further develop as a writer while a Trainee News Writer at Future.