Players like Neymar and Benzema were signed by Saudi clubs exactly for matches like this one. But injury woes threaten to derail their plans. Neymar is yet to make his debut for Al Hilal, and Benzema is currently out of action as a result of hamstring injury. Benzema's injury was uncovered during the match against Al Wehda, where he was substituted just before the half time. He is 35 years old and no longer young. This may result in more recovery time before he is back in action. The match BTW, will start in around 12 hours from now.
Injuries should be expected consistently in a league that is attracting older players. Ronaldo, Messi and Ibrahimovic, Modric are exceptional players who experience limited injuries but players like Benzema and Neymar are injury-prone players. One of the advantages of the Saudi Professional League is that they play fewer games compared to the European leagues. These players will play fewer games and have more time to rest which will improve their health condition.
LOL... I don't think that he is that interested in either stocks or the Ballon d'Or. His main issue was that family members were opposed to staying in Saudi Arabia for extended periods.
https://www.goal.com/en-in/news/lionel-messi-wife-antonela-roccuzzo-hesitant-move-middle-east/bltfaf171e72e65c50cHis wife (Antonela Roccuzzo) made it clear that she is not open to relocating to middle-east. Messi had the option of leaving the family behind in Europe and moving to Saudi, but in the end he chose against it. Roccuzzo was concerned that their three young children may not get adequate care in Middle East.
Not everybody can cope in the Saudi society. America is freer than the Middle East and Messi and his family are used to European society. I just wonder how Neymar will be able to adjust to life in Saudi Arabia considering his clubbing and drinking lifestyle. Regarding the children, I think they can get the best European education in Saudi. Maybe she has other concerns about their upbringing. I also think that Messi moved to the US because they offered equal or something close to what Saudi offered financially.