Revealed: why Lionel Messi said no to Saudi Arabia! | OneFootball

Behind the scenes: the real reason for Messi's rejection of the Saudi Pro League!

Revealed: why Lionel Messi said no to Saudi Arabia!

For several months, the Saudi Pro League dreamed of bringing together Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi under the same sky. While the Portuguese superstar joined Al Nassr, the Argentinian maestro chose a completely different path by signing with Inter Miami. Now, the reasons behind this missed meeting are coming to light, exposing a deep divide between Messi's ambitions and those of the Saudi league.

A disagreement over the vision for the project

Before his move to MLS, Messi was indeed approached by several Saudi clubs, including Al Hilal and Al Ittihad. The plan was to bring him in for a few months to prepare for the World Cup, with specific demands regarding squad composition and his role in the project. But this idea failed to convince Saudi football officials, who refused to make him just a passing player.

The Kingdom's leaders believed that the Saudi Pro League should attract players eager to commit for the long haul, not those simply looking to use the league as a stepping stone. This philosophy stood in stark contrast to Messi's proposal, which was more about a smooth transition towards the end of his career.

By joining Inter Miami until 2028, the Argentinian opted for stability and the peace of mind of a tailor-made project, focused on his image and the growth of football in the United States. This decision, combined with the Saudi refusal, marks a turning point: a Gulf league now determined to build its prestige for the long term, rather than stacking up headline-grabbing signings.