Saudi Arabia turned down a short-term proposal for Lionel Messi to join the Saudi Pro League ahead of the 2026 World Cup, according to a top sports official.
“During the last Club World Cup, Messi’s team contacted me and offered for him to play in Saudi Arabia because the MLS will stop for nearly four months,” Abdullah Hammad, CEO of the Mahd Sports Academy, revealed on a podcast with Saudi platform Thmanyah.
“The player wanted to remain in shape and prepare himself for the upcoming 2026 World Cup.”
Hammad drew a parallel with a similar situation involving David Beckham, noting, “This happened with David Beckham when he was with Los Angeles Galaxy and went to AC Milan (in 2010).”
Messi, who has won the Ballon d’Or eight times, joined Inter Miami in 2023 after being linked with a potential move to Saudi Arabia.
Prior to that, he spent two seasons at Paris Saint-Germain following his iconic Barcelona career.
Hammad said he forwarded the offer to the minister of sports, who ultimately declined.
“The minister made it clear that the Saudi league would not serve as a preparation platform for other tournaments,” he said.
When asked directly if Saudi Arabia had rejected Messi, Hammad responded, “That’s true.”
The Saudi Pro League has drawn significant international attention since Cristiano Ronaldo’s arrival at Al-Nassr after the last World Cup, attracting stars like Neymar and Karim Benzema.
The kingdom has also secured the hosting rights for the 2034 World Cup.
