Lionel Messi’s journey in Major League Soccer might not be his final stop after all. Reports from L’Équipe suggest that Saudi Pro League side Al Ahli are actively pursuing the Argentine icon, hoping to bring him to the Middle East once his current contract with Inter Miami expires in December.
Al Ahli, fresh off their Asian Champions League triumph, are looking to elevate their status even further—and Messi is firmly on their radar. The club reportedly ramped up efforts weeks ago, and while no financial figures have been disclosed, the intent is clear: they want to make Messi the face of their next footballing chapter.
This isn’t the first time Saudi clubs have come knocking. After Messi’s departure from Paris Saint-Germain in the summer of 2023, the Saudi league made a major push to sign him. The deal never materialized, with Messi opting instead for the allure of MLS and a new project in Miami. But the ambition in Saudi Arabia hasn’t faded. With the nation set to host the 2034 World Cup, bringing global superstars like Messi to the domestic league is part of a broader, strategic push to boost the league’s profile.
Inter Miami, for their part, are eager to hold onto their marquee player. Co-owner David Beckham and the club’s front office are reportedly keen to extend Messi’s stay beyond the initial two-year agreement. The commercial and competitive boost he’s brought to both club and league is undeniable.
But the pull of Saudi football is growing stronger. With Cristiano Ronaldo already anchoring Al Nassr and several other top-tier names migrating to the Pro League, the idea of a late-career Messi showdown with his long-time rival on Middle Eastern soil would be headline-making. Add to that the near-limitless financial muscle behind Saudi clubs, and it’s easy to see why this rumor carries serious weight.
December could shape up to be another pivotal moment in Messi’s career. His next move—if it comes—won’t just impact one league or one club; it could redefine the final chapter of a career that has already rewritten football’s history books.
