Saudi Arabia reportedly rejected an opportunity to sign football legend Lionel Messi for a short-term spell in the Saudi Pro League ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, according to a senior sports official.
Abdullah Hammad, the CEO of Mahd Sports Academy, revealed during a podcast on the Saudi platform Thmanyah that Messi’s representatives approached him during the Club World Cup, proposing that the Argentine star join a Saudi club temporarily.
“During the last Club World Cup, Messi’s team contacted me and offered for him to play in Saudi Arabia because the MLS would pause for nearly four months,” Hammad explained.
“The player wanted to maintain his fitness and prepare for the upcoming 2026 World Cup,” he added.
Hammad compared the situation to David Beckham’s 2010 loan spell at AC Milan while contracted to LA Galaxy. Messi, who had previously spent two years with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) after his iconic career at Barcelona, reportedly sought a similar arrangement.
However, the proposal didn’t gain approval. Hammad said he conveyed the offer to the Saudi Minister of Sports, who declined it.
“The minister made it clear that the Saudi Pro League is not meant to be a preparation ground for other tournaments,” Hammad stated.
When asked directly if Saudi Arabia had rejected Messi’s offer, Hammad confirmed, “That’s true.”
Since Cristiano Ronaldo’s arrival at Al-Nassr after the 2022 World Cup, the Saudi league has rapidly attracted global stars such as Neymar Jr. and Karim Benzema. The Kingdom is also set to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup, highlighting its growing presence in international football.
Meanwhile, eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi joined Inter Miami in 2023, choosing Major League Soccer (MLS) over a potential move to Saudi Arabia.