It could be Lionel Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo in Saudi Pro League club soon if reports are to be believed in the French media amid a cloud of uncertainty that hangs over Argentina superstar’s future at Inter Miami as his current contract runs out at the end of this year.
Al Ahli has opened talks to sign for the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner from Inter Miami, L’Equipe reported.
They are eager to bring Lionel Messi to Saudi Arabia once his current contract expires in December. However, the financial terms of the proposal have not yet been disclosed, the report added.
Al Ahli, one of four clubs supported by the Kingdom’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), is part of the broader initiative to attract top-tier football talent to the Saudi Pro League.
The 38-year-old has delivered outstanding performances since joining Inter Miami, scoring 52 goals in 64 appearances and becoming the club’s all-time leading goalscorer.
Messi moved to the United States in 2023 to join Inter Miami, despite having received offers from Saudi Arabia at the time. He opted instead for a two-and-a-half-year deal with the MLS side, which is set to conclude this December.
Nonetheless, Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas expressed strong confidence during a conversation with ESPN, stating, “We wish for Messi to finish his career here.”
