Saudi Arabia Rejects Lionel Messi’s Proposed Short-Term Move to Saudi Pro League

News Article:

In a surprising turn of events, Saudi Arabian sports authorities have declined a proposal for Lionel Messi to join the Saudi Pro League on a short-term deal. The offer, made by Messi’s team during a break in the Major League Soccer (MLS) season, was intended to maintain the Argentine star’s match fitness ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Why It Matters

For Messi, the rejection closes a door to one of football’s most financially ambitious leagues and underscores his decision to remain with Inter Miami CF (MLS) until at least 2028.

For the league’s global positioning, the decision may boost credibility among purists concerned about “glamour signings” that may not align with competitive motivations.
Final Word

Abdullah Hammad, CEO of the Mahd Sports Academy, revealed on the podcast “Thmanyah” that Messi’s camp had approached the academy with the proposal. According to Hammad, the pitch was made while the club season was paused and aimed at giving Messi competitive game time in the Saudi league.

However, the Saudi Minister of Sports intervened and rejected the offer. The stated reason: the Saudi Pro League would not be used merely as a “preparation platform for other tournaments.” In other words, the authorities ruled against signing Messi for a short-term stint purely to warm up for the World Cup.

This decision is particularly noteworthy given the league’s recent efforts to attract world-class talent — following high-profile signings like Cristiano Ronaldo at the same league. That the Saudi Pro League passed on arguably the biggest name in world football underscores how the governing bodies are drawing a line around how and why elite players might join.

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This move signals a shift in how the Saudi Pro League views its growth trajectory: not just as a destination for big names, but as a competition with integrity and a long-term vision.

Though the financial incentives were likely massive, the Saudi authorities’ refusal shows they’re prioritising the league’s standing and proper role over short-term star power. As the Saudi Pro League pushes forward with its global ambitions, this incident may mark a turning point in how it curates star recruitment.