A Saudi Arabian mogul has bought the world's most expensive matchday ticket to watch Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi face off on Thursday evening, and it comes with some great benefits.
The superstar duo have not crossed paths since Barcelona and Juventus battled it out in the group stage of the 2020/21 UEFA Champions League.
Read: Argentina boss: Why I pick Messi over Maradona in GOAT debate
On Thursday, however, they will lock horns once more in a friendly, potentially for the last time as the pair now play on different continents after Ronaldo joined Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr earlier this month.
The exhibition match will feature a combined XI of Al Hilal and Al Nassr players, captained by the Portuguese, who will attempt to spring a surprise on a star-studded Paris Saint-Germain team at the sold-out King Fahd International Stadium.
According to the Daily Mirror, real estate mogul Mushref al-Ghamdi will be among those present after spending a staggering £2.2 million (R46 million) at auction on a VIP ticket for the much-anticipated game as part of a fundraising venture led by Turki Al-Sheikh, the head of the Saudi General Entertainment Authority.
With the ticket said to be the most expensive ever for a football match, it will provide al-Ghamdi with some exclusive experiences such as attending the winners' ceremony after the game, and being allowed to enter the dressing rooms and meet both Messi and Ronaldo.
Read: Barca star 'responds' to R368m offer to join Ronaldo's Al Nassr
It is said that bidding on the special ticket started at £220 000 (R4.6 million), with the money raised set to be donated to charity, specifically to Saudi Arabia's National Platform for Charitable Work.
The match will kick off at 19:00 (SAST).
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