Lionel Messi is reportedly in talks with Saudi Arabian side Al-Ahli as speculation over his future continues to ramp up.
Messi, 38, has been a transformative signing for Inter Miami since joining in 2023, with the Argentine icon scoring 52 goals and adding 25 assists in just 64 games for the David Beckham-owned side.
His current contract expires at the end of 2025 and while Miami are desperate to extend Messi’s deal, he has been linked with a fresh challenge.
And, according to French outlet L’Equipe, a move to Saudi Arabia could be on the table.
Back in 2023 when Messi left PSG, the forward was heavily linked with a transfer to the Middle East during the summer in which the Saudi Pro League (SPL) started making big splashes in the market.
In fact, the 38-year-old was said to reject an unprecedented $400m-a-year (£294m) offer from Al-Hilal, who went on to sign Messi’s former team-mate Neymar instead.
Lionel Messi is reportedly in talks with Saudi side Al-Ahli as speculation over his future ramps up
Messi has starred for Inter Miami in the past two years but his contract expires later this year
If Messi did make the move to Saudi Arabia, he could come up against Cristiano Ronaldo
And, according to the report, SPL figures have not given up hope of convincing Messi to join Al-Ahli, one of four clubs who are owned by the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund, alongside Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr and Al-Ittihad.
Although Miami are negotiating a one-year contract extension with Messi, the report adds that Al-Ahli have been trying to convince the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner to join them for several weeks.
The finances involved in any potential deal have not been reported, but Al-Ahli are doing all they can to make a move possible.
The reports in regards to Saudi interest in Messi come with the 38-year-old having previously signed a three-year deal worth approximately $25m (£18.4m) with the Saudi Tourism Authority to promote the kingdom.
Messi has also previously opened up on the Saudi interest in him in 2023 and hinted that it is an option that could be possible in the future.
‘I was thinking a lot about going to the Saudi league,’ he told TIME Magazine in March.
‘I know the country and they have created a very powerful competition that can become an important league in the near future.
‘As the country’s tourism ambassador, it was a destination that attracted me, especially because I’ve enjoyed everything I have visited, because of how football is growing in the country and because of the effort they are putting into creating a top competition.
Messi has previously signed a deal with the Saudi Tourism Authority to promote the kingdom.
Inter Miami, who are part owned by David Beckham, are desperate to keep the Argentine icon
Al-Ahli’s squad includes ex-Premier League stars Roberto Firmino (L) and Riyad Mahrez (C)
‘It was Saudi Arabia or MLS, and both options seemed very interesting to me.’
If Messi was to join Al-Ahli, who won the AFC Champions League in 2024-25, he would join former Premier League stars Roberto Firmino, Riyad Mahrez, Edouard Mendy and Ivan Toney in their squad.
He would also come back into direct competition with his long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo after the Portuguese superstar signed a new contract with Al-Nassr.
Meanwhile, Messi was recently in action at the Club World Cup before Miami were knocked out in the last-16 stage by his former club PSG after a 4-0 defeat.
Nevertheless, reflecting on Instagram after the game, Messi expressed his pride at his side’s performance.
‘Today marks the end of the Club World Cup for us with a defeat against the current Champions League champions, where there are people I appreciate and I was happy to see again,’ he said.
‘We’re proud to have achieved our goal of finishing among the top 16 in the tournament. Now let’s focus on MLS and everything that’s coming up.’
Following that tournament, Messi was back in MLS action on Sunday and scored twice as Miami beat Montreal 4-1.
