The former Barcelona and PSG player could be on his way away from Inter Miami, despite the fact that he is thriving and just scored two goals against Montreal on Sunday.
Lionel Messi pursued by a surprising club, who only have a few months left on his contract with Inter Miami.
Read: Erik ten Hag gets rid of the same player for the second time – Has also sold him from Manchester United
Messi, 38, signed for David Beckham-owned Inter Miami in 2023 and has recorded 52 goals and 25 assists in just 64 appearances for the MLS team. Although the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is enjoying the final years of his illustrious career, he has repeatedly shown that he can still assert himself at the top level.
On Sunday, he scored two goals in Miami’s 4-1 win over Montreal, which placed the team sixth in MLS after 21 games this season.
Future in Miami uncertain – Saudi Arabia awaits
But Messi’s future at the club is uncertain, after a surprising article from France’s L’Équipe suggests that he could leave the club when his contract expires in December. According to the newspaper, Saudi Al Ahli, who are also the reigning champions of the AFC Champions League, are actively working to persuade Messi to sign for them. At the same time, Inter Miami wants to keep him after the winter.
The financial details are currently unclear, but Saudi Arabia’s interest in Messi is no secret.
If Messi were to sign for Al Ahli, he would be teammates with former Premier League stars such as Riyad Mahrez, Roberto Firmino and Ivan Toney.
Previously, he turned down giant offers from Saudi Arabia
Before signing for Miami in 2023, Messi turned down an offer worth €1.5 billion from Al-Hilal in favor of a move to the United States.
According to reports, Messi would have earned around €500 million a year over a three-year period – more than his long-time rival and Al Nassr star Cristiano Ronaldo earns today. The offer that will be on the table now is almost identical to the one he received two years ago. – More than twice as much as Ronaldo.
Ronaldo, who extended his contract in June, earns approximately £488,000 per day, equivalent to £3.42 million a week, £20,357 per hour, £339 per minute and £5.65 per second.
He has also been offered several benefits to become a “dream base city”, which will increase his earnings to over £492 million over the next two years.
Historical rivalry could resurrect in Saudi Arabia
If both Messi and Ronaldo end up in the Saudi league, it will no doubt bring even more attention to Saudi Arabian football before the 2034 World Cup, which will be held in the Gulf state.
This will mark a new chapter in one of the greatest rivalries in football history, potentially making the Saudi professional league one of the world’s most exciting leagues.
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