lucrative final contract—possibly upwards of $500 million—along with the appeal of furthering football’s growth.
In a potential move that could send shockwaves through the football world, reports have emerged that Lionel Messi may be on his way to the Saudi Pro League, potentially reuniting with longtime rival Cristiano Ronaldo. Talks are reportedly underway between Messi’s representatives and Saudi officials as his contract with Major League Soccer side Inter Miami nears its final year.
Messi, 37, joined Inter Miami in 2023 and has enjoyed success on and off the pitch, significantly raising the profile of soccer in the United States. However, with his contract set to expire at the end of the 2025 MLS season—and a player option for 2026—speculation is mounting that he could make one final high-profile move before retiring.
Sources close to the situation suggest that the Saudi Pro League is keen to bring Messi into the fold, reigniting his iconic rivalry with Ronaldo, who currently plays for Al-Nassr. The move would also support Saudi Arabia’s broader ambition to establish its league as a global football powerhouse. Clubs like Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad are believed to be preparing offers that would make Messi one of the highest-paid players in the world once again.
The potential reunion with Ronaldo, now 40, is being framed as a dream scenario for football fans worldwide. Their historic rivalry defined an era in European football when the two dominated La Liga with Barcelona and Real Madrid, respectively. Though now in the twilight of their careers, the prospect of seeing them share the same pitch once again has already stirred excitement.
While Messi has previously turned down offers from Saudi clubs in favor of a move to the U.S., insiders suggest that a lucrative final contract—possibly upwards of $500 million—along with the appeal of furthering football’s growth in the Middle East, could sway the Argentine legend’s decision.
No official agreement has been reached, and Messi remains committed to Inter Miami for the current MLS season. However, the Saudi interest appears serious and well-funded, and negotiations are expected to intensify in the coming months.
Should Messi accept the offer, it would mark yet another seismic shift in the global football landscape—and perhaps provide fans one final chapter in the Messi-Ronaldo saga.
