SAUDI Arabia has revealed it rejected an offer to bring global football icon Lionel Messi to the Saudi Pro League on a short-term deal ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Abdullah Hammad, CEO of the Mahd Sports Academy, disclosed that Messi’s representatives approached him during the 2023 FIFA Club World Cup, seeking a temporary move while the Major League Soccer (MLS) season goes on its extended break.
“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 said on the Thmanyah podcast.
“The player wanted to remain in shape and prepare himself for the upcoming 2026 World Cup.”
Hammad noted that the proposed move would have mirrored David Beckham’s 2010 loan to AC Milan while contracted to LA Galaxy.
The sports executive said he forwarded the proposal to the Saudi Minister of Sports, who swiftly dismissed the idea: “The minister made it clear that the Saudi league would not serve as a preparation platform for other tournaments.”
When asked specifically if Saudi authorities rejected Messi, Hammad replied: “That’s true.”
Messi, an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, joined Inter Miami in 2023 after leaving Paris Saint-Germain — despite strong expectations that he would accept a Saudi mega-offer to renew his rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Saudi Pro League has successfully attracted high-profile signings since Ronaldo’s arrival at Al-Nassr following the Qatar 2022 World Cup, including Neymar, Sadio Mane, Riyad Mahrez, and Karim Benzema.
The revelation comes amid the Kingdom’s growing influence in global football. Saudi Arabia has been confirmed as the host nation for the 2034 FIFA World Cup, reinforcing its long-term sporting ambitions.
Despite turning down Messi this time, the official hinted that the door remains open for future opportunities under the right terms.
