The legendary rivalry between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi could soon be reignited, with a Saudi Pro League club reportedly doing everything in their power to sign the Argentine superstar.
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Messi’s current contract with Inter Miami is set to expire in December 2025. Although the Herons have released a statement confirming their efforts to extend the 38-year-old’s stay, reports suggest that Saudi Arabian clubs are sensing an opportunity to lure him away from Major League Soccer.
With just six months remaining on his existing deal, Messi is now eligible to negotiate with clubs outside the United States, and one of the interested parties is believed to be Al Ahli.
When the 2022 FIFA World Cup winner left Paris Saint-Germain, Al Hilal were rumoured to have offered him a staggering €500 million (R10 billion) contract. However, the Barcelona legend opted to join Inter Miami instead.
Now, according to L’Équipe, Al Ahli — also backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund — are keen to test Messi’s resolve. While no financial figures have yet been disclosed, the report claims the club are doing everything possible to swing negotiations in their favour.
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There have been murmurings that Messi has grown disillusioned with the level of competitiveness in MLS and could be open to a move in the new year. Should he opt to join the Saudi top flight, it would set the stage for a dramatic revival of his iconic rivalry with Ronaldo, who recently signed a new two-year deal with Al Nassr.
