Cristiano Ronaldo was taunted by opposition fans during Al-Nassr’s 1-0 defeat by Al-Ittihad on Thursday night, in reference to his long-time on-field rival Lionel Messi.

As the title race in the Saudi Pro League starts to heat up, it was a frustrating night for the Portuguese superstar, whose side were dealt a crushing blow just ten minutes from time.

Romarinho’s composed finish proved the difference between the two sides, with the Brazilian taking the ball in his stride to send Al-Ittihad clear of Al-Nassr at the top of the league by a point.

Despite scoring eight goals in his last seven games, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner could not steer his side to victory, notably striking a wild free-kick way over the bar in the second half, epitomising a frustrating evening, with Ronaldo walking from the field before kicking a water bottle off the pitch.

And fans inside stadium, not for the first time this season, were quick to taunt the Portuguese superstar, with chants of ‘Messi, Messi’ ringing out around the pitch as Ronaldo walked down the tunnel.