Messi Considers Saudi Move as Talks Reportedly Reopen, MLS Future Uncertain
Lionel Messi could potentially join his longtime rival Cristiano Ronaldo in the Saudi Pro League, following fresh reports that discussions have been reignited regarding a high-profile transfer to the Middle East.
The Argentine legend, currently playing for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer (MLS), had already considered a move to Saudi Arabia in 2023 after his departure from Paris Saint-Germain. At the time, Messi ultimately chose to join Inter Miami, but he acknowledged in an interview with TIME Magazine that he was seriously weighing both options.
“I thought a lot about going to the Saudi league,” Messi revealed. “I know the country well, and they’ve built a very strong league that could become one of the world’s most important. As a tourism ambassador for Saudi Arabia, I’ve enjoyed my time there. I’ve seen how the sport is growing, and I was really attracted to that. It was between MLS and Saudi Arabia, and both were very appealing.”
Since arriving in the United States, Messi has added more silverware to his collection and earned MVP honors, reinforcing his impact on American soccer. However, his current deal with Inter Miami is set to expire at the end of the 2025 season, although there is reportedly a 12-month extension clause that could be activated.
As of now, no official agreement has been made regarding that extension, meaning Messi could technically become a free agent from July 1. According to a report by TEAMtalk, the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF) has “reopened talks” with Messi’s camp as they explore the possibility of bringing him to the Saudi Pro League.
Should those discussions progress, fans around the world could witness a reunion of football’s greatest rivalry—Messi and Ronaldo—on Middle Eastern soil.