Inter Miami: Lionel Messi turns down a club offering him €1.4 billion | OneFootball

Inter Miami: Lionel Messi turns down a club offering him €1.4 billion | OneFootball

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·14 January 2026

Inter Miami: Lionel Messi turns down a club offering him €1.4 billion

Article image:Inter Miami: Lionel Messi turns down a club offering him €1.4 billion
Article image:Inter Miami: Lionel Messi turns down a club offering him €1.4 billion

Lionel Messi

For months, Saudi Arabia has been trying to lure Lionel Messi. But the living legend has turned down a colossal offer.


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Al-Hilal tried their luck in 2023 to sign Lionel Messi. While the Argentine was interested, his family pushed for him to sign in Florida. Al-Ittihad also made a move for La Pulga that same year. Since then, Anmar Al Haili, president of Al-Ittihad, has continued to hope for a breakthrough. His comments were relayed by Marca.

"If Messi agrees to sign with Al-Ittihad, I would offer him a contract where he can earn whatever amount he wants, for as long as he wants—even for life (...) Yes, I did contact him at the end of his contract with PSG. I offered him €1.4 billion. He turned down such an enormous offer for the sake of his family, despite my efforts to convince them. He didn't hesitate to decline because family is more important than money. I respect that, and Al-Ittihad will always be glad to welcome him. He can come back whenever he wishes. Messi's presence in Saudi Arabia, wearing our shirt, means nothing to me financially. We would celebrate the championship before he even started, because we would have the best player in the history of football," said Anmar Al Haili.

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