Lionel Messi Sparks Potential Reunion With Cristiano Ronaldo Amid Talks With Saudi Arabian Outfit

Lionel Messi is reportedly in discussions with Saudi Arabian giants Al-Ahli as speculation over his future intensifies.

The 38-year-old Argentine legend has been a transformative figure for Inter Miami since arriving in 2023, scoring 52 goals and contributing 25 assists in just 64 matches for the David Beckham-owned MLS side. 

Despite his success, Messi’s current contract expires at the end of 2025, and while Miami are pushing for an extension, the allure of a new challenge could see him leave the United States.

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According to French outlet L’Équipe, Saudi Pro League (SPL) outfit Al-Ahli are pushing hard to land Messi’s signature and have been in contact with his camp for several weeks. 

Al-Ahli are one of four SPL clubs owned by the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF) — alongside Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr, and Al-Ittihad — and are said to be doing everything possible to make the deal happen.

Messi previously turned down a record-breaking $400 million-a-year offer from Al-Hilal in 2023 after leaving Paris Saint-Germain. 

That same year, he signed a three-year deal worth $25 million with the Saudi Tourism Authority to promote the Kingdom, highlighting his openness to the region.

In an interview with TIME Magazine in March, Messi admitted:

“I was thinking a lot about going to the Saudi league. I know the country, and they’ve created a very powerful competition that can become important.

“ As the country’s tourism ambassador, it was a destination that attracted me.”

If the move materializes, Messi would reunite with former Premier League stars such as Riyad Mahrez, Roberto Firmino, Edouard Mendy, and Ivan Toney, all currently part of Al-Ahli’s ambitious squad.

 He would also renew his iconic rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo, who recently signed a new contract extension with Al-Nassr.

Messi recently featured at the FIFA Club World Cup, where Inter Miami were eliminated in the last 16 following a 4-0 defeat to PSG — his former club. Reflecting on the tournament, he posted on Instagram:

“Today marks the end of the Club World Cup for us with a defeat against the current Champions League champions, where there are people I appreciate and I was happy to see again. We're proud to have achieved our goal of finishing among the top 16 in the tournament. Now let's focus on MLS and everything that's coming up.”

Back in MLS, Messi has shown no signs of slowing down. He scored twice in Miami’s recent 4-1 victory over Montreal, proving his continued value on the pitch.

With Miami eager to keep their star man and Al-Ahli keen to make history, all eyes are now on Messi’s next move. Will he extend his American adventure, or will the Saudi Pro League finally secure its most coveted target yet?