Negotiations between Al-Ahli, a Saudi Arabian club, and Lionel Messi, the Argentine star of Inter Miami, have gained momentum in recent weeks, according to the French newspaper L’Equipe. With the forward’s contract set to expire in December 2025, the Asian club, current AFC Champions League titleholder, is aiming to secure a marquee signing to elevate the Saudi Pro League’s profile. The talks, involving a substantial financial proposal, revive the possibility of Messi playing in the same league as Cristiano Ronaldo, who stars for Al-Nassr. Saudi interest is not new, as the country made offers for the player in 2023, but he chose Major League Soccer (MLS). This move promises to shake up the global football market.
Al-Ahli sees Messi not only as a technical asset but also as a chance to cement the Saudi league as a top destination for global stars. The club’s board, backed by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), is prepared to offer a contract that could surpass existing financial benchmarks in the region. The strategy includes leveraging the visibility of events like the 2034 World Cup, which Saudi Arabia will host.
- Main goal: Attract Messi to boost the league’s competitiveness.
- Financial context: A massive offer, potentially exceeding $200 million annually.
- Media impact: Rekindling the rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo in the same league.
The player, who turned 38 in June 2025, is at a crossroads in his career. After two years with Inter Miami, where he won the Supporter’s Shield and the Leagues Cup, Messi has yet to decide whether to renew with the American club or explore new opportunities.
History of Saudi interest
Saudi Arabia has pursued Lionel Messi before. In 2023, when the Argentine left Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), Al-Hilal, another Saudi giant, offered a deal worth around €400 million per year, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano. At the time, Messi declined, opting for a move to the United States, where his family settled comfortably in Miami. The decision was influenced by personal factors, such as his wife Antonela Roccuzzo’s preference to avoid relocating to the Middle East.
Now, Al-Ahli is taking a different approach. Negotiations, ongoing for weeks, involve discussions with Jorge Messi, the player’s father and representative. The club is banking on a combination of an irresistible financial package and a compelling sporting project, including competitions like the AFC Champions League and the Club World Cup. The presence of high-profile players like Roberto Firmino and Riyad Mahrez in the squad is another selling point to sway the Argentine.
Al-Ahli’s profile and rise
Based in Jeddah, Al-Ahli is one of Saudi Arabia’s most storied clubs, boasting a passionate fanbase and a history of success. In 2025, the club clinched the AFC Champions League title, securing a spot in the Club World Cup. The team features a star-studded roster, bolstered by PIF investments, which controls the country’s four major clubs: Al-Ahli, Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr, and Al-Ittihad.
- Current squad:
- Roberto Firmino, formerly of Liverpool, leads the attack.
- Riyad Mahrez, a Premier League champion with Manchester City, anchors the midfield.
- Ivan Toney, an English striker, adds offensive firepower.
- Galeno, a Brazilian, bolsters the attacking options.
- Recent investments: The club has spent over €100 million on signings in the past two seasons.
Messi’s potential arrival would be a landmark moment for Al-Ahli, which aims to match the global visibility of Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr. The rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo, who extended his contract with Al-Nassr until 2027, also adds appeal for fans and sponsors.
Messi’s performance at Inter Miami
Since joining Inter Miami in July 2023, Messi has transformed the club. In 64 matches, he scored 52 goals and provided 25 assists, according to OneFootball. In the 2025 season, the Argentine netted 18 goals and recorded seven assists in 25 games, cementing his status as the club’s all-time leading scorer. Despite individual success, Inter Miami faced a setback in the Club World Cup, suffering a 4-0 defeat to PSG in the round of 16 in June 2025.
Messi has also dealt with physical challenges. Muscle injuries limited his appearances in some matches, though he maintained a high level of performance. The player has expressed contentment with life in Miami, but the absence of an MLS title and uncertainty about his contract renewal fuel speculation about his next move.
Saudi strategy to attract stars
The Saudi Pro League is in a phase of rapid growth. Since Cristiano Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr in 2022, the league has lured players like Neymar (formerly Al-Hilal), Karim Benzema (Al-Ittihad), and N’Golo Kanté (Al-Ittihad). The PIF has invested billions to position the championship as a global force, focusing on infrastructure, signings, and international events.
The pursuit of Messi is part of a broader vision. Beyond strengthening clubs, Saudi Arabia aims to establish itself as a major sports hub. Hosting the 2034 World Cup underscores this ambition, and signing an icon like Messi would be a coup for attracting tourists and investors.
Factors influencing Messi’s decision
Messi’s future hinges on several considerations. In Miami, he enjoys a comfortable environment, with his family settled and a leadership role in Inter Miami’s project, co-owned by David Beckham. The proximity to the 2026 World Cup, to be held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, may also favor staying in the MLS.
On the other hand, the Saudi offer is enticing. Beyond the financial aspect, Al-Ahli provides a chance to compete in a rising league and face top opponents like Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr. The prospect of reigniting his rivalry with Ronaldo, which defined global football for a decade, adds a layer of media appeal.
- Factors favoring Miami:
- Family adaptation and quality of life.
- Proximity to the 2026 World Cup.
- Long-term project with Inter Miami.
- Factors favoring Al-Ahli:
- Record-breaking financial offer.
- Competitiveness in the AFC Champions League.
- Rivalry with Ronaldo and global visibility.
Transfer market landscape
The transfer market in Saudi football is buzzing. In addition to Al-Ahli, other clubs are monitoring Messi’s situation. Al-Hilal, which pursued him in 2023, remains interested, according to Marca. Al-Nassr, Ronaldo’s club, has also been mentioned in rumors, though Al-Ahli currently leads the race.
The January 2026 transfer window will be pivotal. As Messi has been free to sign a pre-contract with any club since July 2025, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining his destination. Inter Miami, meanwhile, has stepped up efforts to extend the Argentine’s contract but has yet to reach an agreement.
Fan and media reactions
The prospect of Messi playing in Saudi Arabia has sparked widespread buzz. On social media, Al-Ahli fans are celebrating the possibility of seeing the star at their club, while Inter Miami supporters urge him to stay. International media outlets, such as Marca and Saudi Gazette, emphasize the transformative impact his transfer could have on the Saudi Pro League, drawing parallels to Ronaldo’s arrival in 2022.
The rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo is a central talking point. For years, the two dominated the spotlight in Spain, with Messi at Barcelona and Ronaldo at Real Madrid. A reunion in Saudi Arabia would be a historic moment for football, drawing global attention to the league.
Next steps in negotiations
Talks between Al-Ahli and Messi’s representatives are expected to intensify in the coming weeks. According to L’Equipe, the Saudi club is planning a formal meeting with Jorge Messi soon, possibly in the United States, where Al-Ahli will play pre-season friendlies. The financial proposal, though not fully disclosed, is likely to include an annual salary exceeding $200 million, plus bonuses for sporting and commercial achievements.
Meanwhile, Inter Miami is preparing a counteroffer to retain its star player. The club is banking on the continuity of its sporting project and the chance to win the MLS in 2026, a goal Messi has yet to achieve. The Argentine’s final decision will depend on a mix of sporting, financial, and personal factors.