Lionel Messi could soon find himself sharing a dressing room with Karim Benzema, the former Real Madrid superstar who once played alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and is now one of his biggest rivals in the Saudi Pro League. A sensational move to Inter Miami has been floated as a possible next chapter for the Frenchman, although the situation surrounding his future is far more complicated than the glamorous destination might suggest.
Benzema’s situation has become one of the most intriguing stories of the Saudi transfer window. With his future at Al-Hilal increasingly uncertain, speculation has naturally turned toward where the 38-year-old could continue his career if he leaves the club.
Reports from Diario AS and Sky Sports indicate that Benzema is negotiating a possible contract termination with Al-Hilal. The French striker is reportedly out of Simone Inzaghi’s plans, while the club has already identified Aston Villa forward Ollie Watkins as a potential replacement.
The situation became even more complicated after Benzema expressed his frustration at being substituted during Al-Hilal’s 4-2 victory over Al-Faisaly. Despite scoring in the match, the veteran forward was replaced in the second half, fueling further speculation about his relationship with the new manager.
Inzaghi, however, attempted to calm the situation afterward. “We talked about that after the match. It’s normal that he wants to play every match, and I understand him because I was a striker too,” Inzaghi said, according to Saudi media reports. The Italian coach added that he has a respectful relationship with Benzema, describing him as “not only a great champion, but also a very great professional.”
The financial problem blocking Benzema’s exit
The biggest obstacle to Benzema leaving Al-Hilal is reportedly financial. The striker wants the full value of the final year of his contract, while Al-Hilal and the relevant Saudi soccer authorities are unwilling to simply pay the entire amount to terminate the agreement.
Benzema’s contract structure makes matters even more complicated because part of his salary is reportedly covered through bodies connected to the Saudi Pro League. As a result, ending the deal could require approval from multiple parties rather than being a straightforward agreement between the player and the club.
That issue has effectively put the next stage of the veteran striker’s career on hold. Al-Hilal wants to free up a foreign-player spot for a new striker, but it cannot fully move forward until Benzema’s contractual situation is resolved.
Karim Benzema of Al Hilal during the AFC Champions League Elite.
Could Messi and Benzema really unite in Miami?
That uncertainty has opened the door to speculation about a stunning move to Major League Soccer. Inter Miami has been mentioned as a potential destination for Benzema, with the possibility of the Frenchman joining Messi, Luis Suarez and several other established stars creating an irresistible storyline, as per Saudi outlet Midan Al Yaum.
The idea would reunite two of the most decorated forwards of their generation. Messi and Benzema spent years competing against each other in European soccer, particularly during Benzema’s Real Madrid career, but could now potentially become teammates in the United States.
