Lionel Messi’s journey through Major League Soccer may be approaching a dramatic and unexpected turning point. While the world remains focused on his performances with Inter Miami, fresh reports suggest that the Argentine legend could be preparing for a sensational switch to the Saudi Pro League once his current contract expires.
The whispers, once quiet, are growing louder—hinting at behind-the-scenes discussions already underway between Messi’s camp and Saudi officials. The possibility of a seismic move has sparked widespread speculation, especially given who else may be waiting in the wings.
According to sources from both Saudi Arabia and Europe, Messi is now back in contact with the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF). The same organization that has overseen the influx of global stars into the Middle Eastern football scene is once again pushing to bring the World Cup-winning Argentine to its league.
Italian journalist Filippo Biafora reports that PIF is actively working behind the scenes to secure Messi’s signature, with renewed interest following the initial breakdown in talks back in 2023. “Contacts between the parties have just resumed, and both sides will explore the options in the coming weeks,” adds TEAMtalk, reinforcing that verbal negotiations are underway, though nothing is yet finalized.
The Argentine’s contract with the Herons runs until December 2025, but come July 1, he will legally be able to negotiate with any club as a free agent. That opens the door for Saudi clubs to make their move without restriction.
Familiar rival awaits
While no club has been named officially, the implications are clear. Four potential Saudi Pro League destinations—Al-Ahli, Al-Hilal, Al-Ittihad, and Al-Nassr—are reportedly in the mix, though insiders say PIF wants to gauge Messi’s willingness before assigning him a destination.
And one name naturally stands out: Cristiano Ronaldo, who recently extended his contract with Al Nassr. The very notion that Messi and Ronaldo could again share a league for the first time since 2018 has fueled global intrigue.
“Their goal is to make Messi one of the faces of the league, together with Cristiano Ronaldo,” reported TEAMtalk, as Al-Nassr aims to strengthen its squad to support their Portuguese star’s continued ambitions. This strategic vision makes a Messi-Ronaldo reunion more plausible than ever before—whether as rivals or even, in an unimaginable twist, teammates.
