Saudi Arabia Rejects Lionel Messi’s Short-Term Saudi Pro League Offer

Saudi Arabia has rejected a proposal from football legend Lionel Messi to join the Saudi Pro League during the Major League Soccer (MLS) off-season, according to Abdullah Hammad, CEO of Mahd Sports Academy. Messi’s representatives approached officials during the recent Club World Cup with an offer for the Argentine star to play temporarily to maintain his fitness ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Hammad confirmed he relayed the offer to the Saudi Minister of Sports, who declined it, emphasizing that the Saudi league would not serve as a “training ground” or preparation platform for other tournaments. Hammad also contrasted Messi’s approach with that of Cristiano Ronaldo, noting Ronaldo’s willingness to embrace a new challenge when he joined Al Nassr in 2022, whereas Messi remains closely tied to Barcelona and his current club Inter Miami, with a contract extending to 2028.

Messi’s potential Saudi stint was widely speculated but remains off the table as the Kingdom focuses on maintaining the league’s integrity and long-term vision.

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