Cristiano Ronaldo being investigated by Saudi Arabia FA as anger boils over due to Lionel Messi taunts

But Ronaldo was visibly annoyed after being taunted with Lionel Messi chants throughout the showdown.

The forward could be seen cupping his ear after the final whistle while he repeatedly moved his hand in front of his pelvic area.

Now, according to Saudi newspaper Asharq al-Awsat, the Saudi Arabia Football Federation have opened an investigation into the 39-year-old.

Prominent Saudi television host Waleed Al Farraj has claimed on social media that the Pro League 'has its limits', suggesting Ronaldo could be punished for his actions.

"The disciplinary committee is facing the biggest test. We will wait and see," he said.

"Everything has its limits, no matter how famous you are. This is how the major leagues are."

Ronaldo has been regularly taunted with chants of Messi's name during his time in the Middle East.

And he has also been criticised over similar incidents in the past, too, with the footballer sometimes becoming emotional on the field.

In April last year, Ronaldo seemed to grab his genitals after Al-Nassr lost to Al-Hilal.

Earlier this month, footage also seemed to show the veteran putting a scarf down his shorts before throwing it away in anger.

Ronaldo is rumoured to make a staggering £160million a year while playing in Saudi, making him one of the best-paid players in world football.

A host of big names, including the likes of Neymar, Ruben Neves and Riyad Mahrez, have joined him in the country since his move in late 2022.

Ronaldo and Messi's rivalry has captivated the football world for the best part of two decades.

They would often face each other during their spells at Real Madrid and Barcelona, with the pair becoming legends of those respective clubs.

Ronaldo has played for United, Juventus and Sporting Lisbon throughout his career.

And Messi is currently with the third team of his own time in football, having strutted his stuff for both Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain.

Ronaldo said he has never hated Messi, despite the intensity of their rivalry.

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"Hatred? I don't see things like that, the rivalry is over," he said last year.

"It was good, spectators liked it. Those who like Cristiano Ronaldo don't have to hate Messi and vice versa.

"We've done well, we have changed the history of football. We are respected all over the world, that's the most important thing.

"He's followed his path and I have followed mine, regardless of playing outside of Europe.

"From what I've seen, he's been doing well and so have I.

"The legacy lives on, but I don't see the rivalry like that. We shared the stage many times, it was 15 years.

"I'm not saying we're friends, I've never had dinner with him, but we're professional colleagues and we respect each other."