Lionel Messi is in talks with Saudi side Al-Ahli about a sensational move to the Middle East later this year. The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star sees his current Inter Miami contract expire in December.
And as it stands, there has been no sign of a renewal. That has opened up the possibility of Messi leaving the MLS side in 2026, with a number of clubs interested in moving.
Former side Barcelona have long been linked with him, with president Joan Laporta making his desire to take the Argentine back to the Nou Camp very clear. But it appears that a lucrative move to Saudi could also emerge as an option for Messi.
According to French outlet L’Equipe, Saudi side Al-Ahli are interested in signing him and have reportedly been working for ‘weeks’ to convince the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner to move to the Middle East.
Inter Miami though are still hopeful of keeping him, with co-owner Jorge Mas recently revealing his desire to keep the 2022 World Cup winner until at least next season. Speaking to ESPN, he said: “I previously said that my wish, my dream would be for the number 10 to inaugurate our new stadium in March.
READ MORE: Transfer news LIVE: Arsenal hit Gyokeres issue, Chelsea name prices for two stars, Man Utd latest
READ MORE: Lionel Messi decision defended by Inter Miami boss amid bizarre criticism
“This is a decision that rests on Messi. We wish for Messi to finish his career here. I said a few months ago that we should have news in the summer about that but hopefully it will be as soon as possible,” Mas said in an interview with ESPN.
“But I am optimistic because we have done everything possible for Leo to feel at home, to feel comfortable. I always said that he is a competitive animal, he wants to win. I hope we can raise many trophies together here at Inter Miami in the coming years. Here, we’re just waiting to be able to give the fans the good news about Lionel Messi.”
He added: “We are a little selfish, we would like to see more trophies and obviously with Messi here. I won’t speak for Messi, but I speak for me and the club. Lionel from day one has said he wants to compete and win. He is a competitive animal. Obviously we want to assure that we have the best roster to compete at the highest levels. We’d have to ask Leo, but I think he knows we are doing everything possible.
“There is no tool that the league provides us that we have not used to better this roster: signing young players, finding other cracks. For next year, find another star player because we have the space in the roster. From our part, there is not much missing. There is no rush, we don’t need to do it today or tomorrow, but soon we will know Messi’s decision and hopefully we remain together for many more years.”