Lionel Messi reportedly turned down a $1.6 billion contract offer from Saudi Arabian club Al Ittihad before signing with Inter Miami in 2023, according to club president Louay Mashabi. He said the Saudi club presented the Argentine superstar with what would have been one of the richest contracts in sports history after his departure from Paris Saint-Germain. Despite the record-breaking offer, Messi chose to continue his career in Major League Soccer, with Mashabi saying the club did everything possible to persuade the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner to join the Saudi Pro League. He added that Messi ultimately based his decision on personal and family reasons, while the offer reflected Al Ittihad’s ambition to bring one of football’s biggest stars to Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Club Says the Door Remains Open
Mashabi also revealed that Al Ittihad would still welcome Messi if he ever decided to play in Saudi Arabia. He suggested the club would be prepared to offer the Argentine forward a contract with virtually no financial limits, keeping alive the possibility of a future move. The Messi $1.6 billion offer highlights Saudi Arabia’s continued investment in attracting some of the biggest names in world football. In recent years, Saudi clubs have signed several high-profile players as part of the country’s strategy to strengthen the Saudi Pro League and expand its global profile.
Messi Chose Inter Miami Instead
Messi joined Inter Miami in 2023, a move that transformed the club’s international profile and brought increased attention to Major League Soccer. His arrival boosted ticket sales, television audiences, sponsorships, and global interest in the league. While stars such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, and several other elite footballers accepted offers to play in Saudi Arabia, Messi chose a different path despite reportedly receiving what would have been the richest contract in sports history.
