Will Lionel Messi follow Cristiano Ronaldo to Saudi Pro League?

As Lionel Messi leads Inter Miami in the Club World Cup Round of 16 this weekend, Saudi Arabia is making a bold move to secure the football legend’s signature.

According to Al Midan Sports, Al Hilal President Fahad bin Nafel is currently in the United States to meet with Messi’s father and agent, Jorge Messi, to discuss a potential transfer to the Saudi Pro League.

Messi’s contract with Inter Miami is set to expire at the end of December 2025, making the 38-year-old Argentine a free agent. Al Hilal, one of Saudi Arabia’s most prominent clubs, is reportedly eager to capitalise on this opportunity to bring the Argentinian World Cup winner to the Middle East, aiming to elevate the league’s global profile.

This is not the first time Saudi Arabia has approached Messi. When his contract with Paris Saint-Germain expired in 2023, Al Hilal made a staggering offer — reportedly worth up to $1.76 billion over two years — to lure him to the Saudi Pro League.

Messi, however, opted for Inter Miami, citing family preferences for a move to the United States. Despite the rejection, Saudi Arabia has maintained a relationship with Messi, who has served as a long-term ambassador for the Saudi Tourism Board, including promotional activities tied to their 2030 World Cup bid.

Sources indicate that Al Hilal views Messi as the ultimate marquee signing to rival the impact of Cristiano Ronaldo, who recently extended his contract with Al Nassr until 2027. While financial details of the potential new deal remain undisclosed, previous offers suggest Saudi clubs are prepared to offer record-breaking sums to secure Messi’s services.

As Messi focuses on Inter Miami’s Club World Cup campaign, where he has already contributed 50 goals and 24 assists in 60 matches since joining in 2023, the football world awaits the outcome of these talks.

Will the Saudi Pro League finally land its biggest star, or will Messi choose to extend his American sojourn? Let’s wait and watch.