Lionel Messi, arguably the greatest footballer of all time, finds himself at a fascinating crossroads in his career—balancing the loyalty he’s built with Inter Miami against the growing pull of a massive offer from Saudi Arabia’s Al Ahli FC. Since joining Major League Soccer in mid-2023, Messi has transformed Inter Miami from a struggling franchise into a global football brand. His impact hasn’t just been felt on the pitch—where he’s scored goals, broken records, and led his team to silverware—but also off the field, with skyrocketing ticket sales, international viewership, and a spotlight on U.S. soccer like never before. Yet as his current contract inches closer to its end in December 2025, the story is shifting. Al Ahli, one of the most powerful clubs in the Saudi Pro League, is reportedly in active talks with Messi’s camp, hoping to lure him with a staggering deal that would rival even the eye-watering contracts of Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema. The timing is deliberate: Al Ahli is building a powerhouse squad, having already signed global names like Riyad Mahrez and Roberto Firmino, and they view Messi as the crown jewel of their growing empire.
What makes this situation so compelling is that it’s not just about money. Messi already has deep financial ties in the Gulf, serving as a tourism ambassador for Saudi Arabia. The Saudi league’s ambition to reinvent itself as a global football destination aligns with Messi’s legacy as a sport-changing figure. But despite the appeal of one last mega-deal in the Middle East, Messi appears genuinely happy in Miami. He’s spoken warmly about the relaxed lifestyle, the family-friendly environment, and the freedom he has at the club. Inter Miami, for its part, isn’t sitting idle. They are actively working on a contract extension that would keep him through the 2026 World Cup—potentially making him the face of both the club’s new stadium and the tournament’s marketing campaign in North America. According to multiple sources, including Fabrizio Romano and outlets like AS and Goal, Miami’s ownership is “confident” of tying Messi down to a longer stay.
Still, Saudi Arabia won’t back off easily. With their public investment fund backing multiple top-tier clubs, the financial war chest is bottomless. They see Messi vs. Ronaldo Part II—not in El Clasico, but in Riyadh—as a global spectacle that could define the next era of football entertainment. So now, Messi stands at the center of two ambitious football projects: Inter Miami, where he’s the icon leading MLS into the future, and Al Ahli, which promises a new stage, new challenges, and likely the biggest paycheck of his career. As negotiations play out behind closed doors, one thing is certain—wherever Messi goes next, the entire footballing world will be watching.
Lionel Messi’s Current Impact at Inter Miami
- Contract & Future Talks: Messi’s deal runs through December 2025. Inter Miami is hopeful of extending it—Fabrizio Romano confirms both sides are confident about a renewal
- On-field brilliance: He’s delivering big — recently notched a brace and an assist against CF Montréal, earning MVP honors for Week 18 in MLS
- Records & Awards: Since joining in 2023, he’s smashed MLS records—fastest to 40 goals, highest single‑game goal contributions, MVP 2024, Best XI, All‑Star 2025, Player‑of‑the‑Month several times .
- Legacy nearing its close: Messi has hinted Inter Miami may be his final club, expressing he’s not ready to quit but wants to enjoy every moment
Saudi Interest – Al Ahli Tracks Messi
- Talks underway: Al Ahli (Jeddah), backed by big names like Firmino, Mahrez, and Toney, has reportedly opened negotiations with Messi to join in December 2025. Agreement would pit him against Ronaldo again 1 (AS Futbol)
- Financial edge: Saudi clubs are known to offer huge contracts. Messi already has a Tourism Authority deal in the region, signaling familiarity2 (The Sun UK)
- Inter Miami response: The club is confident, aiming to outbid with an extension. They want Messi to inaugurate the new Miami Freedom Park stadium in 20263 (Goal)
What Comes Next?
- Extension vs. Saudi deal: Inter Miami is pushing for a contract extension, banking on stadium plans and World Cup spotlight in North America .
- Messi’s preference: So far he seems delighted in Florida—performing, breaking records, and enjoying club life. That’s a strong signal that Inter Miami is his priority .
- World Cup prep: His team is also thinking about the 2026 World Cup. Staying in MLS could offer match fitness, though some rumors suggest a short European loan to prepare—though those seem less likely .
In short:
Messi is thriving at Inter Miami, both on and off the field. Inter Miami is keen to keep him through at least 2026, while Al Ahli is preparing a major offer. Messi’s own enjoyment and MLS momentum make a renewal likely—but Saudi cash and a new challenge could sway things once his contract expires.
- https://as.com/us/futbol/arabia-saudita-una-amenaza-para-inter-miami-n/?utm_source=chatgpt.com ↩︎
- https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/35731754/messi-transfer-saudi-arabia-ronaldo-inter-miami/?utm_source=chatgpt.com ↩︎
- https://www.goal.com/en-sa/lists/inter-miami-confident-tying-lionel-messi-to-contract-extension-push-from-al-ahli-saudi-arabia/blt1340abc3cc54f35b?utm_source=chatgpt.com ↩︎
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