Messi invited to Saudi Arabia: Will it be a reunion with Ronaldo?

Two years ago, when he left PSG, Messi decided to choose Inter Miami and MLS instead of moving to the Saudi Pro League.

Now, with his contract with the Florida team set to expire in five months, Al-Ahli is ready to do everything to lure Messi, leaving the Argentine superstar once again in a "dilemma".

After failing to sign Messi in 2023, the Saudi Pro League still hopes to realize its dream of bringing him to the league when Messi's contract with Inter Miami expires on December 31.

According to L'Équipe, Al-Ahli has entered into negotiations with Messi's representatives. The current AFC Champions League champions and fifth-placed Saudi Pro League champions last season are being led by young coach Matthias Jaissle (37 years old, former RB Salzburg coach).

They have a quality attack with names like England striker Ivan Toney and Algerian star Riyad Mahrez. Toney, a former Brentford striker, finished as the runner-up in the Golden Boot with 23 goals. Mahrez contributed 8 goals and 10 assists.

However, creative force Gabriel Veiga has decided to return to Europe, joining FC Porto, despite having to give up more than 90% of his income in Saudi Arabia.

Financial details of the deal between Al-Ahli and Messi have not been disclosed. However, the nine-time national champion team has confirmed that they are ready to spend heavily to make the blockbuster deal happen.

The remaining issue depends on the decision of the owner of 8 Golden Balls, who just turned 38 nearly two weeks ago.

In an interview with Time magazine in December 2023, the 2022 World Cup champion shared the reason for choosing Inter Miami instead of the Saudi Pro League, which had offered more than 1 billion euros in salary:

“I had many options at that time. I had to think carefully with my family before deciding to go to Miami. My first choice was to return to Barcelona, but that didn't work out. I tried, but it didn't work out.”

Messi also admitted: “I really considered the Saudi Pro League. I know the country and they have built a very strong league, which has the potential to become one of the top leagues in the future. As a tourism ambassador for Saudi Arabia, I was attracted by the culture, the places I visited and the development of football there. At that time, I had to choose between the Saudi Pro League and MLS – and both were very attractive.”

Miami still hopes to keep Messi

As for Inter Miami, the team still hopes to keep Messi after two years in MLS. In particular, they are preparing to inaugurate the new stadium Miami Freedom Park, scheduled for 2026.

Messi’s presence will bring global appeal to this landmark event, with The Athletic reporting in April that contract talks between the two parties had progressed positively.

“The elements are converging for a great future, with Messi at the centre,” said club owner Jorge Mas. “The final decision is entirely his. I have always hoped – and am still working – to see Messi playing in our new stadium in 2026.”

However, the presence of Al-Ahli at the negotiating table has complicated the situation. Will this move be enough to convince Messi to abandon the United States to reunite with Cristiano Ronaldo in the Saudi Pro League – where the two legends who once fought in La Liga will once again be present?

The answer could mark a new chapter in Lionel Messi's illustrious career.

Source: https://baovanhoa.vn/the-thao/messi-duoc-moi-chao-den-saudi-arabia-se-la-man-tai-ngo-ronaldo-150113.html