KSAsportz Report
RIYADH — In a surprising turn of events, Saudi Arabia has declined an opportunity to secure football icon Lionel Messi for a temporary stint in the Saudi Pro League, according to a high-ranking official.
Abdullah Hammad, CEO of the Mahd Sports Academy, revealed in a recent podcast with Thmanyah that Messi’s management team reached out to him with a proposal for the Argentine star to play in the kingdom while the Major League Soccer (MLS) season goes on a four-month hiatus. This season break could have allowed Messi to keep his competitive edge ahead of the highly anticipated 2026 World Cup.
“During the last Club World Cup, Messi’s team contacted me and offered for him to play in Saudi Arabia because the MLS will stop for nearly four months,” Hammad stated. “The player wanted to stay active and prepare himself for the upcoming 2026 World Cup,” he added.
Hammad conveyed the offer to the Minister of Sports, who ultimately rejected it, emphasizing that the Saudi Pro League would not merely serve as a preparatory platform for athletes from other leagues. This decision aligns with recent strategic efforts to elevate the league’s global standing and enhance its competitive integrity.
Statistics show that the Saudi Pro League has significantly upped its profile, with investments in top players increasing by over 300% in the past two years alone. The league has attracted international attention, with a 50% increase in global viewership during the last season.
The discussion also highlighted the contrasting paths of Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. While Messi has displayed a stronger attachment to his former club, FC Barcelona, Ronaldo boldly embraced the challenge of a new culture and league, joining Al Nassr in 2022.
Despite ongoing rumors linking Messi to Saudi Arabia following his departure from Paris Saint-Germain in 2023, the Argentinian superstar opted to sign with Inter Miami in the United States, where he recently extended his stay until 2028.