Inter Miami star Lionel Messi came off the bench despite injury discomfort to give fans in Saudi Arabia one last chance to watch him on the pitch Thursday.

That’s the only logical explanation why Messi, who was initially ruled out of the starting lineup due to injury, appeared in the final 14 minutes of Inter Miami’s 6-0 loss to Al Nassr at Kingdom Arena in the Riyadh Season Cup in Saudi Arabia.

Messi was initially not expected to play after feeling discomfort following Monday’s match against Al Hilal and Wednesday’s training session in Saudi Arabia, causing him to undergo an MRI as a precaution. Messi was added to Inter Miami’s lineup and watched from the bench as an available substitute until coming on in the 83rd minute.

Messi played with discretion during his limited minutes. He had one shot attempt inside the penalty area that was deflected by an Al Nassr defender in the 86th minute. He also had two kicks to advance the ball further up the pitch.

Other than that, Messi casually dribbled the ball as defenders approached him, and made quick passes to teammates. And he didn’t do much running outside of a light jog.

Inter Miami coach Tata Martino appeared to speak with a referee after the final whistle to complain about the six added minutes of extra time in the match. But he has bigger issues to worry about after Inter Miami’s 6-0 loss.

It was supposed to be “The Last Dance” between Messi and Al Nassr star Cristiano Ronaldo, but Ronaldo was ruled out Wednesday due to a calf injury.

While both of soccer’s greatest stars weren’t in their best form, fans at least got to see Messi finish the match. Ronaldo, on the other hand, cheered from his seat in a suite as Al Nassr scored three goals in the first 12 minutes.

Talisca finished with a hat trick, while Otávio, Laporte and Mohammed Maran added goals for Al Nassr in the blowout.

It’s unclear how much Messi will play as Inter Miami continues their worldwide preseason tour with a match in Hong Kong on Feb. 4 at 3 a.m. ET and Tokyo on Feb. 8 at 5 a.m. ET.

Lionel Messi enters in 83rd minute for Inter Miami vs. Al Nassr

With at least seven minutes left in the match, Lionel Messi has entered.

Messi enters in the 83rd minute for one last sequence in Saudi Arabia.

The crowd was absolutely loud when he got his first touch, a kick from one side of the field to the other.

Talisca hat trick: Al Nassr 6, Inter Miami 0

Al Nassr’s Talisca has a hat trick in this one.

Talisca was streaking down the middle of the pitch, when he received a pass in stride, and his left boot found the back of the net again in the 73rd minute after video review.

Inter Miami trails 6-0, and Messi was warming up temporarily. But it would be a surprise if he enters this one.

Lionel Messi warming up during second half

Fans at Kingdom Arena in Saudi Arabia exploded when Lionel Messi got up off the bench to warm up his legs on the sideline.

It’s unclear if Messi will actually play despite Inter Miami wanting to keep him out of this match as a precaution.

If Messi does play, he’ll appear sometime within the final 20 minutes of the match.

Mohammed Maran goal: Al Nassr 5, Inter Miami 0

Al Nassr’s Mohammed Maran scored on a beautiful header in the 68th minute to take a 5-0 lead.

The good news for fans in Saudi Arabia: Lionel Messi has got up to stretch and warm up as a potential substitute.

Inter Miami misses chances in second half: Al Nassr 4, Inter Miami 0

Luis Suárez missed a shot on goal in 60th minute after Al Nassr goalie Waleed Abdullah deflected the attempt. Suárez even shook Abdullah’s hand after the sequence.

Three minutes later, Leo Campana missed high in 63rd minute.

It’s just been that kinda day for Inter Miami.

Talisca penalty kick goal: Al Nassr 4, Inter Miami 0

Inter Miami goalie Drake Callendar received a penalty for a diving contest in the penalty area.

And Al Nassr’s Talisca made him pay with a goal on the ensuing penalty kick for his second score of the match.

Although it’s preseason, Inter Miami’s 4-0 deficit is easily the largest in the Messi era.

Halftime: Al Nassr 3, Inter Miami 0

Cristiano Ronaldo has celebrated plenty, while Lionel Messi looked concern.

It was supposed to be a match between soccer’s greatest stars. Instead, they’re both onlookers in this one.

Al Nassr scored three goals in the first 12 minutes, and cruised to a 3-0 halftime lead against Inter Miami on Thursday during their match at the Riyadh Season Cup in Saudi Arabia.

Messi is watching from the bench, and not expected to play despite being listed on Inter Miami’s roster as an available substitute.

Messi felt discomfort after Inter Miami’s match against Al Hilal on Monday, and during Wednesday’s training session. He’s being held out as a precaution.

Ronaldo was ruled out on Wednesday due to a calf injury.

Otávio scored in the third minute, Talisca scored in the 10th, and Laporte scored in the 12th minute for Al Nassr. Laporte’s goal from about 75 yards out with Inter Miami goalie Drake Callendar wandering far from the net has been the highlight of the match.

Luis Suárez had a shot on goal, Leo Campana missed two chances and David Ruiz – who sparked Inter Miami’s comeback against Al Hilal Tuesday – also missed an opportunity for Inter Miami in the first half.

Luis Suárez injury: Al Nassr 3, Inter Miami 0

Inter Miami newcomer Luis Suárez was kicked in the lower right leg, and was down in pain.

He remains in the match, but could likely be an early substitute as this match continues.

Here’s Lionel Messi’s reaction to the play:

Al Nassr goalie David Ospina exits with injury: Al Nassr 3, Inter Miami 0

Inter Miami may have an opening in this match in the 31st minute.

Al Nassr goalie David Ospina has been substituted after feeling discomfort following a challenge of Luis Suarez’s shot attempt on goal.

Backup Waleed Abdullah has entered the game for Al Nassr.

Fans flood Inter Miami’s social media account after 3-0 deficit

Inter Miami is surely getting plenty of social media engagement following their 3-0 deficit to Al Nassr on Thursday afternoon.

Just look at this snapshot of the action with fans replying to posts about the score:

Aymeric Laporte goal: Al Nassr 3, Inter Miami 0

Inter Miami goalie Drake Callendar was caught too far away from the net.

And Al Nassr made him pay.

Al Nassr’s Aymeric Laporte scored in the 12th minute from about 75 yards out, and Inter Miami is down 3-0 in Saudi Arabia.

Talisca goal: Al Nassr 2, Inter Miami 0

Cristiano Ronaldo loves what he sees, watching from a luxury box in the stadium.

Brazilian star Talisca scored in the 10th minute to give Al Nassr a 2-0 lead against Inter Miami.

Wait, there’s more.

Otávio goal: Al Nassr 1, Inter Miami 0

Four minutes in, and Inter Miami is already down.

Al Nassr’s Otávio scored in the fourth minute to take a 1-0 lead in this match.

It’s the third straight match this preseason Inter Miami has fallen behind in the opening minutes.

Check out Messi’s Michelob Ultra Super Bowl commercial

Inter Miami star Lionel Messi’s Super Bowl commercial with Michelob Ultra released on Wednesday, staring Pro Football Hall of Fame Miami Dolphins quarterback Dan Marino and Apple TV+ series Ted Lasso star Jason Sudeikis.

Check it out here:

Will Messi and Ronaldo ever play against each other again?

Messi has played in the last two Riyadh Season Cups, where he faced Ronaldo last year, and has a major fan base in Saudi Arabia. Messi recently starred in a commercial for Saudi tourism.

It’s feasible to believe Messi and Inter Miami could be open to another trip to Saudi Arabia for their 2025 preseason, and a matchup against Ronaldo and Al Nassr would earn the same hype and excitement as this year’s matchup before Ronaldo’s injury.

Messi is under contract with Inter Miami through 2025, while Ronaldo is under contract with Al Nassr through June 2025. But will their health hold up?

Why is Cristiano Ronaldo not playing against Lionel Messi, Inter Miami?

Ronaldo’s calf injury caused Al Nassr to cancel two preseason matches in China last week. And it has cost soccer fans worldwide another opportunity to see Ronaldo and Messi on the same pitch together.

Al Nassr coach Luis Castro told reporters on Wednesday: Ronaldo “is in the final part of his recovery to join the group. We hope that in the next few days you can start working with the team. He will be absent from the game.”

How did Messi, Inter Miami fare against Al Hilal on Tuesday?

The look on Messi’s face was priceless after Inter Miami gave up a 2-0 lead to Saudi powerhouse Al Hilal within the first 13 minutes of their match Tuesday.

Messi was stunned. It appeared Inter Miami may have bit off more than it could chew for its first of two matches in the Riyadh Season Cup. But they responded.

Messi scored on a penalty kick and rising 19-year-old David Ruiz scored a goal to help Inter Miami storm back from a 3-1 deficit to tie the match at 3. Luis Suárez scored his first Inter Miami goal in the first half.

Unfortunately for Inter Miami, Al Hilal’s Malcom – who played with Messi and Suárez in Barcelona in 2018-19 – scored the game-winning goal just seconds after Messi left the pitch in the 88th minute as a substitution.

Although Inter Miami lost 4-3 to Al Hilal, the club was provided with valuable game experience it can carry into the 2024 MLS season.

“We’re trying to still get better. We have a lot of ways to go, in terms of before the season kicks off, so we have some good games coming up,” said Inter Miami newcomer Julian Gressel, who won the MLS Cup with the Columbus Crew last season.

“This was a good test against us, where we got exposed in certain ways, and that’s a good thing. That’s what you want to happen in the preseason so when the season rolls around, you’re up for the challenges, and then you’re ready to go.”

What is Inter Miami’s upcoming schedule?

After Thursday’s match in Saudi Arabia, Inter Miami’s worldwide preseason tour continues with a match in Hong Kong on Feb. 4 at 3 a.m. ET and Tokyo on Feb. 8 at 5 a.m. ET.

In all, Inter Miami will travel more than 25,000 miles during the preseason – enough to circle the globe once.

Inter Miami will finish its preseason at home on Feb. 15 against Newell’s Old Boys – the Argentine hometown club of Messi and coach Tata Martino.

Inter Miami will play two matches during the opening week of the 2024 MLS season, with the season opener on Feb. 21 at home against Real Salt Lake, and at the Los Angeles Galaxy on Feb. 25.

In February for Black History Month, USA TODAY Sports is publishing the series ’29 Black Stories in 29 Days.’ We examine the issues, challenges and opportunities Black athletes and sports officials continue to face after the nation’s reckoning on race following the murder of George Floyd in 2020. This is the fourth installment of the series.

This series always starts with a question: Is it still needed? The answer, unfortunately, remains yes.

In an alternate timeline, there is no racism. People work together, play sports together, travel to different worlds together, and there is no hate. But today is not that day.

There is progress, of course. NFL teams hired four men of color as head coaches, a record for a single coaching cycle. We’re seeing the rise of Black tennis stars not named Serena or Venus. LeBron James remains one of the most influential figures in the history of American sports and still refuses to shy away from issues of race (which is a good thing). The WNBA is still a remarkable force.

Yet there are hardcore problems. Donald Trump is still a viable Presidential candidate despite enabling white nationalism. Extremism and conspiracy theories dot our politics and lives. Antisemitism is on the rise (again). The transgender community is under constant attack. One of the most influential social media platforms is owned by someone who constantly spews vileness.

SUPER BOWL CENTRAL: Latest Super Bowl 58 news, stats, odds, matchups and more.

Race is one of the core things utilized by bad actors to fuel hatred and bigotry.

That’s where this series (we’re doing 29 days this year instead of 28 because it’s a leap year) tries to make a difference. The saying is that history may not repeat but it rhymes and Black History Month is important because we still need reminders of how racist this nation has been, still is, how it’s dramatically improved, and how it can be so much better. Sports is one of those lenses to make these observations.

Some of the stories in this series will be shorter, some will take deep dives into Black history, and others will be strongly opinionated. Some will be funny, others serious, all of them informative. It will all happen with 29 Black stories in 29 days.

In February for Black History Month, USA TODAY Sports is publishing the series ’29 Black Stories in 29 Days.’ We examine the issues, challenges and opportunities Black athletes and sports officials continue to face after the nation’s reckoning on race following the murder of George Floyd in 2020. This is the fourth installment of the series.

This series always starts with a question: Is it still needed? The answer, unfortunately, remains yes.

In an alternate timeline, there is no racism. People work together, play sports together, travel to different worlds together, and there is no hate. But today is not that day.

There is progress, of course. NFL teams hired four men of color as head coaches, a record for a single coaching cycle. We’re seeing the rise of Black tennis stars not named Serena or Venus. LeBron James remains one of the most influential figures in the history of American sports and still refuses to shy away from issues of race (which is a good thing). The WNBA is still a remarkable force.

Yet there are hardcore problems. Donald Trump is still a viable Presidential candidate despite enabling white nationalism. Extremism and conspiracy theories dot our politics and lives. Antisemitism is on the rise (again). The transgender community is under constant attack. One of the most influential social media platforms is owned by someone who constantly spews vileness.

SUPER BOWL CENTRAL: Latest Super Bowl 58 news, stats, odds, matchups and more.

Race is one of the core things utilized by bad actors to fuel hatred and bigotry.

That’s where this series (we’re doing 29 days this year instead of 28 because it’s a leap year) tries to make a difference. The saying is that history may not repeat but it rhymes and Black History Month is important because we still need reminders of how racist this nation has been, still is, how it’s dramatically improved, and how it can be so much better. Sports is one of those lenses to make these observations.

Some of the stories in this series will be shorter, some will take deep dives into Black history, and others will be strongly opinionated. Some will be funny, others serious, all of them informative. It will all happen with 29 Black stories in 29 days.

The No. 1 team in the NHL has acquired the No. 1 target in the trade market.

The Vancouver Canucks announced Wednesday night that they had acquired All-Star forward Elias Lindholm, a pending unrestricted free agent, from the division rival Calgary Flames. They give up forward Andrei Kuzmenko, prospects Hunter Brzustewicz and Joni Jurmo, a 2024 first-round pick and a conditional fourth-round pick.

The trade occurred hours after Canucks general manger Patrick Allvin was rewarded with a three-year contract extension and more than five weeks before the trade deadline.

Kuzmenko had a modified no-trade clause that gave him some say on where he went.

‘We have been working with the Vancouver Canucks and the Calgary Flames since Sunday,’ his agent, Dan Milstein, posted on social media. ‘Andrei Kuzmenko spoke with both the GM and Head Coach prior to agreeing to the trade. He is looking forward to joining the Calgary Flames.’

The Canucks, who have missed the playoffs the past three seasons, showed they are going for it. They’re tied with the Boston Bruins with 71 points, the most in the NHL.

What the trade means for each team:

What the Vancouver Canucks get

Lindholm, 29, is a solid, two-way player who was a runner-up for the Selke Trophy (top defensive forward) in 2021-22. He’ll instantly boost the Canucks’ top six forwards. He has scored 20 or more goals four times, including 42 in 2021-22 on a line with since-departed Matthew Tkachuk and Johnny Gaudreau.

He’s strong on faceoffs and kills penalties, and should help the Canucks improve their 16th-ranked penalty kill.

The trade of Kuzmenko, 27, clears up cap space. He’s in the first year of a two-year, $11 million contract. The Canucks need to re-sign restricted free agent Elias Pettersson, plus Lindholm.

What the Calgary Flames get

The Flames weren’t going to lose Lindholm for nothing as they did when Gaudreau left in free agency in July 2022. Kuzmenko has a year left on his contract and could benefit from a change of scenery. He had 39 goals and 75 points last season, but has been a healthy scratch at times this season and has eight goals and 21 points.

Brzustewicz, 19, and Jurmo, 21, are third-round picks. Brzustewicz has 69 points in 47 games in the Ontario Hockey League while Jurmo is a 6-foot-3 defenseman in Finland.

The Flames, who are five points out of a playoff spot, still have to make decisions on pending unrestricted free agents Noah Hanifin and Chris Tanev before the March 8 trade deadline.

The No. 1 team in the NHL has acquired the No. 1 target in the trade market.

The Vancouver Canucks announced Wednesday night that they had acquired All-Star forward Elias Lindholm, a pending unrestricted free agent, from the division rival Calgary Flames. They give up forward Andrei Kuzmenko, prospects Hunter Brzustewicz and Joni Jurmo, a 2024 first-round pick and a conditional fourth-round pick.

The trade occurred hours after Canucks general manger Patrick Allvin was rewarded with a three-year contract extension and more than five weeks before the trade deadline.

Kuzmenko had a modified no-trade clause that gave him some say on where he went.

‘We have been working with the Vancouver Canucks and the Calgary Flames since Sunday,’ his agent, Dan Milstein, posted on social media. ‘Andrei Kuzmenko spoke with both the GM and Head Coach prior to agreeing to the trade. He is looking forward to joining the Calgary Flames.’

The Canucks, who have missed the playoffs the past three seasons, showed they are going for it. They’re tied with the Boston Bruins with 71 points, the most in the NHL.

What the trade means for each team:

What the Vancouver Canucks get

Lindholm, 29, is a solid, two-way player who was a runner-up for the Selke Trophy (top defensive forward) in 2021-22. He’ll instantly boost the Canucks’ top six forwards. He has scored 20 or more goals four times, including 42 in 2021-22 on a line with since-departed Matthew Tkachuk and Johnny Gaudreau.

He’s strong on faceoffs and kills penalties, and should help the Canucks improve their 16th-ranked penalty kill.

The trade of Kuzmenko, 27, clears up cap space. He’s in the first year of a two-year, $11 million contract. The Canucks need to re-sign restricted free agent Elias Pettersson, plus Lindholm.

What the Calgary Flames get

The Flames weren’t going to lose Lindholm for nothing as they did when Gaudreau left in free agency in July 2022. Kuzmenko has a year left on his contract and could benefit from a change of scenery. He had 39 goals and 75 points last season, but has been a healthy scratch at times this season and has eight goals and 21 points.

Brzustewicz, 19, and Jurmo, 21, are third-round picks. Brzustewicz has 69 points in 47 games in the Ontario Hockey League while Jurmo is a 6-foot-3 defenseman in Finland.

The Flames, who are five points out of a playoff spot, still have to make decisions on pending unrestricted free agents Noah Hanifin and Chris Tanev before the March 8 trade deadline.

And then there was one.

The Seattle Seahawks have hired Mike Macdonald, 36, as their new head coach. He becomes the youngest coach in the league, supplanting 37-year-old Jerod Mayo of the New England Patriots, who was hired earlier this month. Macdonald also replaces Pete Carroll, 72, who had been the league’s oldest coach, in the Pacific Northwest.

With Macdonald headed to Seattle, the Washington Commanders are left as the only team with a vacant HC opening.

Macdonald spent the past two years as defensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens. For the last 10 seasons, he’s been working for the Harbaughs – nine years on Baltimore’s staff in various defensive capacities for head coach John Harbaugh but one season (2021) as defensive coordinator for Jim Harbaugh’s University of Michigan Wolverines.

Renowned as a bright teacher with great enthusiasm for the game and its players, Macdonald’s profile has been steadily on the rise in recent years. The AFC North champion Ravens surrendered the fewest points in the league in 2023, allowing 16.5 points per game. They also led the NFL with 60 sacks and 31 takeaways.

SUPER BOWL CENTRAL: Latest Super Bowl 58 news, stats, odds, matchups and more.

Macdonald likely has a lot of work to do to bring Seattle up to that standard, though he will find talented players in the building. A perennial Super Bowl contender a decade ago with their ‘Legion of Boom’ defense, the Seahawks have regressed greatly, last fielding a top-20 D in 2018. The falloff coincided with ownership’s decision to move Carroll into an advisory position after a 14-year run that included two Super Bowl appearances. Carroll and Co. captured the organization’s only Lombardi Trophy to cap the 2013 campaign.

Macdonald will inherit a team that also has to decide how long to stick with veteran quarterback Geno Smith, 33, who’s under contract for two more seasons. The Seahawks are young and deep at running back. The wideout trio is also strong, though Tyler Lockett, 31, has a nearly $28 million cap hit in 2024, so it’s worth wondering if he’ll be staying. The offensive line remains suspect but has youthful potential. Defensively, Seattle has a solid group of corners, however Riq Woolen often came off the field – and not for health-related reasons. Linebackers Jordyn Brooks and Bobby Wagner, still among the league’s elite at 33, are headed for free agency as is D-lineman Leonard Williams. Safety Jamal Adams is a liability in coverage and contractually, hence virtually untradeable.

Plenty of potential here, but a lot of work to do – especially in a division run by the NFC champion San Francisco 49ers and with the Los Angeles Rams seemingly rising anew.

***

Follow USA TODAY Sports’ Nate Davis on X, formerly Twitter @ByNateDavis.

And then there was one.

The Seattle Seahawks have hired Mike Macdonald, 36, as their new head coach. He becomes the youngest coach in the league, supplanting 37-year-old Jerod Mayo of the New England Patriots, who was hired earlier this month. Macdonald also replaces Pete Carroll, 72, who had been the league’s oldest coach, in the Pacific Northwest.

With Macdonald headed to Seattle, the Washington Commanders are left as the only team with a vacant HC opening.

Macdonald spent the past two years as defensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens. For the last 10 seasons, he’s been working for the Harbaughs – nine years on Baltimore’s staff in various defensive capacities for head coach John Harbaugh but one season (2021) as defensive coordinator for Jim Harbaugh’s University of Michigan Wolverines.

Renowned as a bright teacher with great enthusiasm for the game and its players, Macdonald’s profile has been steadily on the rise in recent years. The AFC North champion Ravens surrendered the fewest points in the league in 2023, allowing 16.5 points per game. They also led the NFL with 60 sacks and 31 takeaways.

SUPER BOWL CENTRAL: Latest Super Bowl 58 news, stats, odds, matchups and more.

Macdonald likely has a lot of work to do to bring Seattle up to that standard, though he will find talented players in the building. A perennial Super Bowl contender a decade ago with their ‘Legion of Boom’ defense, the Seahawks have regressed greatly, last fielding a top-20 D in 2018. The falloff coincided with ownership’s decision to move Carroll into an advisory position after a 14-year run that included two Super Bowl appearances. Carroll and Co. captured the organization’s only Lombardi Trophy to cap the 2013 campaign.

Macdonald will inherit a team that also has to decide how long to stick with veteran quarterback Geno Smith, 33, who’s under contract for two more seasons. The Seahawks are young and deep at running back. The wideout trio is also strong, though Tyler Lockett, 31, has a nearly $28 million cap hit in 2024, so it’s worth wondering if he’ll be staying. The offensive line remains suspect but has youthful potential. Defensively, Seattle has a solid group of corners, however Riq Woolen often came off the field – and not for health-related reasons. Linebackers Jordyn Brooks and Bobby Wagner, still among the league’s elite at 33, are headed for free agency as is D-lineman Leonard Williams. Safety Jamal Adams is a liability in coverage and contractually, hence virtually untradeable.

Plenty of potential here, but a lot of work to do – especially in a division run by the NFC champion San Francisco 49ers and with the Los Angeles Rams seemingly rising anew.

***

Follow USA TODAY Sports’ Nate Davis on X, formerly Twitter @ByNateDavis.

This year’s Pro Bowl Games — the second of its kind — will take place in Orlando, Florida, with the multi-day competition kicking off Thursday night with various skills challenges pitting AFC players against those from the NFC.

On Sunday, the Pro Bowl Games conclude, highlighted by 7-on-7 AFC-NFC flag football at Camping World Stadium.

Players voted to the Pro Bowl Games from the two Super Bowl 58 teams — the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers — will not be participating. The NFC champion 49ers had a league-leading nine players voted to the Pro Bowl, while the AFC champion Chiefs had five.

COACH STEVE: Fun. Friendship. International closeness. Kids’ flag football championships come to Orlando.

Who are the 2024 Pro Bowl Games coaches?

Peyton Manning and Eli Manning will serve as coaches for the inaugural Pro Bowl Games. Peyton will coach the AFC team, with Eli serving as the NFC coach. The Manning brothers also were head coaches for last year’s Pro Bowl Games.

SUPER BOWL CENTRAL: Latest Super Bowl 58 news, stats, odds, matchups and more.

Peyton Manning’s AFC staff will include fellow Pro Football Hall of Famer Ray Lewis (defensive coordinator), Mexico women’s flag football national team member Diana Flores (offensive coordinator) and rapper/actor Snoop Dogg (captain).

Eli Manning’s NFC staff will include Pro Football Hall of Famer DeMarcus Ware (defensive coordinator), U.S. women’s flag football national team member Vanita Krouch (offensive coordinator) and actor Pete Davidson (captain).

How to watch the 2024 Pro Bowl Games

The first round of the Pro Bowl Games skill challenge will take place Thursday at 7 p.m. ET. ESPN will televise the event, with live streams available on Watch ESPN and fubo.

Another round of the skills challenge, as well as the flag football game, will take place Sunday at 3 p.m. ET. ABC, ESPN and Disney XD will televise the event, with live streams available on ESPN+ and fubo.

What are the Pro Bowl Games skill challenge events?

Precision Passing (Thursday): Each of the conference’s three quarterbacks will battle it out in a one-minute accuracy competition, as they attempt to accumulate points by hitting as many targets as possible. Targets range from either static or those attached to robotic dummies or drones. The conference with the highest cumulative score among all participants earns three points.

Best Catch (Thursday): This event will be pre-taped at landmarks around Orlando. One player from each conference will compete in a best catch competition, showing off their creativity, inventiveness and talent. Fans will vote online to determine their favorite catch by a player in each conference, and the player with the highest number of votes will earn three points for his conference.

Closest to the Pin (Thursday): This golf accuracy competition features six players from each conference attempting to hit a ball as close to the hole as possible. The winner will earn three points for his conference.

High Stakes (Thursday): Starting off with a football in hand, each player will attempt to catch punts from a JUGS machine. The players that succeed in catching the football without dropping others will advance to the next round and attempt to catch an additional football. The most sure-handed player who catches the most footballs wins.

Snap Shots (Thursday): A new event this year will allow long snappers and centers to showcase their skills by snapping balls at targets of various sizes and point values.

Dodgeball (Thursday): A multi-round tournament featuring four teams of five players. In the first match, the AFC offense will face the NFC defense, and in the second game the NFC offense squares off against the AFC defense. The winner will earn three points for their conference.

Madden NFL head-to-head (Sunday): Two players from each conference will play Madden NFL 24 using the official 2024 Pro Bowl Games rosters. The winning team will earn their conference three points.

Gridiron Gauntlet (Sunday): Six players from each conference will complete on an obstacle course, breaking through walls, crawling under doors en route to a final sled that will be pushed across the field. The winning team will earn their conference three points.

Kick-Tac-Toe (Sunday): Each conference’s kicker will compete in a giant Tic-Tac-Toe competition. The first kicker to complete a connecting line of three squares or hit five squares total will be declared the winner and earn three points for his conference.

Tug-of-War (Sunday): This will be a five-on-five competition positioned above a foam pit. The competition will be best of three, and the winner who pulls the opposing team across the marker twice gains three points.

Move the Chains (Sunday): Two teams of five offensive and defensive linemen will work together to move 3,000 pounds of weights off a massive wall and be the first team to pull that 2,000-pound wall across the finish line. The winner will earn three points for their conference.

2024 AFC Pro Bowl Games roster

*Starter

OFFENSE

Quarterback

Tua Tagovailoa, Miami Dolphins*
Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens
Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs
C.J. Stroud, Houston Texans (replaces Mahomes)
Gardner Minshew, Indianapolis Colts (replaces Jackson)

Running back

Raheem Mostert, Miami Dolphins*
James Cook, Buffalo Bills
Derrick Henry, Tennessee Titans

Fullback

Alec Ingold, Miami Dolphins*

Wide receiver

Tyreek Hill, Miami Dolphins*
Amari Cooper, Cleveland Browns*
Keenan Allen, Los Angeles Chargers
Ja’Marr Chase, Cincinnati Bengals

Tight end

Travis Kelce, Kansas City Chiefs*
David Njoku, Cleveland Browns
Evan Engram, Jacksonville Jaguars (replaces Kelce)

Offensive tackle

Laremy Tunsil, Houston Texans*
Dion Dawkins, Buffalo Bills*
Terron Armstead, Miami Dolphins

Guard

Quenton Nelson, Indianapolis Colts*
Joel Bitonio, Cleveland Browns*
Joe Thuney, Kansas City Chiefs
Kevin Zeitler, Baltimore Ravens (replaces Thuney)

Center

Creed Humphrey, Kansas City Chiefs*
Tyler Linderbaum, Baltimore Ravens
Ryan Kelly, Indianapolis Colts (replaces Humphrey)

DEFENSE

Defensive end

Myles Garrett, Cleveland Browns*
Maxx Crosby, Las Vegas Raiders*
Trey Hendrickson, Cincinnati Bengals

Interior linemen

Chris Jones, Kansas City Chiefs*
Quinnen Williams, New York Jets*
Justin Madubuike, Baltimore Ravens
DeForest Buckner, Indianapolis Colts (replaces Jones)

Outside linebacker

T.J. Watt, Pittsburgh Steelers*
Khalil Mack, Los Angeles Chargers*
Josh Allen, Jacksonville Jaguars
Jermaine Johnson, New York Jets (replaces Mack)

Middle linebacker

Roquan Smith, Baltimore Ravens*
Patrick Queen, Baltimore Ravens

Cornerback

Pat Surtain II, Denver Broncos*
Sauce Gardner, New York Jets*
Jalen Ramsey, Miami Dolphins
Denzel Ward, Cleveland Browns

Free safety

Justin Simmons, Denver Broncos*
Minkah Fitzpatrick, Pittsburgh Steelers

Strong safety

Kyle Hamilton, Baltimore Ravens*

SPECIAL TEAMS

Long snapper

Ross Matiscik, Jacksonville Jaguars*

Punter

AJ Cole, Las Vegas Raiders*

Kicker

Justin Tucker, Baltimore Ravens*

Kick returner

Marvin Mims Jr., Denver Broncos*

Special teamer

Miles Killebrew, Pittsburgh Steelers*

2024 NFC Pro Bowl Games roster

*Starter

OFFENSE

Quarterback

Brock Purdy, San Francisco 49ers*
Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys
Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams
Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia Eagles (replaces Purdy)
Baker Mayfield, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (replaces Prescott)
Geno Smith, Seattle Seahawks (replaces Stafford)

Running back

Christian McCaffrey, San Francisco 49ers*
D’Andre Swift, Philadelphia Eagles
Kyren Williams, Los Angeles Rams
Jahmyr Gibbs, Detroit Lions (replaces McCaffrey)

Fullback

Kyle Juszczyk, San Francisco 49ers*
C.J. Ham, Minnesota Vikings (replaces Juszczyk)

Wide receiver

CeeDee Lamb, Dallas Cowboys*
A.J. Brown, Philadelphia Eagles*
Mike Evans, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Puka Nacua, Los Angeles Rams
Amon-Ra St. Brown, Detroit Lions (replaces Brown)
DK Metcalf, Seattle Seahawks (replaces Evans)

Tight end

George Kittle, San Francisco 49ers*
Sam LaPorta, Detroit Lions
Jake Ferguson, Dallas Cowboys (replaces Kittle)

Offensive tackle

Trent Williams, San Francisco 49ers*
Lane Johnson, Philadelphia Eagles*
Penei Sewell, Detroit Lions
Tristan Wirfs, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (replaces Williams)

Guard

Zack Martin, Dallas Cowboys*
Chris Lindstrom, Atlanta Falcons*
Landon Dickerson, Philadelphia Eagles
Tyler Smith, Dallas Cowboys (replaces Martin)

Center

Jason Kelce, Philadelphia Eagles*
Frank Ragnow, Detroit Lions

DEFENSE

Defensive end

Nick Bosa, San Francisco 49ers*
Montez Sweat, Chicago Bears*
Aidan Hutchinson, Detroit Lions
DeMarcus Lawrence, Dallas Cowboys (replaces Bosa)

Interior linemen

Aaron Donald, Los Angeles Rams*
Dexter Lawrence, New York Giants*
Javon Hargrave, San Francisco 49ers
Kenny Clark, Green Bay Packers (replaces Hargrave)

Outside linebacker

Micah Parsons, Dallas Cowboys*
Danielle Hunter, Minnesota Vikings*
Haason Reddick, Philadelphia Eagles

Middle linebacker

Fred Warner, San Francisco 49ers*
Bobby Wagner, Seattle Seahawks
Demario Davis, New Orleans Saints (replaces Warner)

Cornerback

DaRon Bland, Dallas Cowboys*
Charvarius Ward, San Francisco 49ers*
Jaylon Johnson, Chicago Bears
Devon Witherspoon, Seattle Seahawks
Darius Slay, Philadelphia Eagles (replaces Ward)

Free safety

Jessie Bates, Atlanta Falcons*

Strong safety

Budda Baker, Arizona Cardinals*
Julian Love, Seattle Seahawks

SPECIAL TEAMS

Long snapper

Andrew DePaola, Minnesota Vikings*

Punter

Bryan Anger, Dallas Cowboys*

Kicker

Brandon Aubrey, Dallas Cowboys*

Kick returner

Rashid Shaheed, New Orleans Saints*

Special teamer

Jalen Reeves-Maybin, Detroit Lions*
Nick Bellore, Seattle Seahawks (replaces Reeves-Maybin)