Al-Ittihad persist in Messi pursuit, president says money no obstacle | OneFootball

Al-Ittihad president Anmar Al Haili has restated his ambition to sign Messi, insisting money would not be an obstacle. He has framed the pursuit as open-ended, with the superstar invited to set his own terms.

Statements carried by PurelyFootball and TNT Sports said Messi could pick his salary and contract length, even agree a lifetime deal if he accepted the move.

During talks in 2023 after his PSG exit, Al-Ittihad tabled up to 1.4 billion euros, with direct contact confirmed by Al Haili. The package was devised to make Messi the best-paid footballer in history.

Messi chose a different path, prioritising family and quality of life by joining Inter Miami. Al Haili said that decision merited respect and that family outweighs money.

Signings such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Benzema and Neymar have lifted the Saudi league’s profile, yet Al Haili considers Messi unmatched and expects instant on-pitch impact.

He even suggested the league would feel won before it began with Messi in his side.

For now, Messi’s future is settled, as he extended his Inter Miami contract in October 2025 through to December 2028.

Still, Al Haili keeps the door open, saying Al-Ittihad would welcome Messi at any time, even late in his career. He presents the chase as a symbolic and sporting step to elevate the league and the country, rather than a personal gain.

Source: Superdeporte