Saudi Arabia’s Al Ahli Enters Talks to Sign Lionel Messi

TDT | Manama

Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

In what could become one of the biggest transfer stories in football, Saudi club Al Ahli has reportedly begun negotiations to sign Lionel Messi. The Argentine legend, currently with Inter Miami, is being targeted as a free agent once his contract expires at the end of this year.

Persistent Saudi Interest

This is not the first time Saudi clubs have pursued Messi. Back in the summer of 2023, following the end of his stint with Paris Saint-Germain, Saudi sides made a major push to bring the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner to the Kingdom. Since then, Saudi interest in Messi has never faded.

Now, two years later, Saudi clubs remain hopeful that Messi will make the move to the Saudi Pro League—especially with Al-Ahli, fresh off winning the 2025 AFC Champions League, leading the charge.

A Potentially Strategic Match

While financial terms of the proposed deal have not been disclosed, reports suggest that Saudi Arabia is willing to go to great lengths to finalize a deal with the global icon. The Kingdom is preparing to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup, and signing Messi would serve as a powerful promotional move for both its football ambitions and global sporting image.

Miami Wants Him to Stay

Inter Miami, where Messi has spent two seasons in Major League Soccer, is also reportedly keen to renew his contract and retain his star power, both on and off the pitch. Messi’s arrival in the U.S. transformed the club and elevated the profile of MLS as a whole.

However, the allure of a final chapter in Saudi Arabia, where several of Messi’s longtime rivals and teammates now play, may prove tempting for the legendary forward.