Saudi Shock: Lionel Messi Reportedly In Talks With Al-Ahli To Join Cristiano Ronaldo In The Saudi Pro League

Lionel Messi is reportedly in advanced talks to make a sensational switch to Saudi Arabian giants Al-Ahli, reigniting his long-standing rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo in the Middle East. Sources close to the negotiation, including French outlet L’Équipe, say the club has been working “tirelessly for weeks” to lure the Argentine legend away from Inter Miami.

The 38-year-old World Cup winner currently has a contract with Inter Miami that runs until December 2025. However, uncertainty has clouded the future of that deal, as there’s been no visible progress toward a renewal—and no public commitment from Messi to remain in Major League Soccer beyond the existing terms.

Saudi football authorities, reportedly acting through the Public Investment Fund (PIF), are keen to replicate the Ronaldo effect by securing Messi’s signature. Al-Ahli, one of the most ambitious clubs in the Saudi Pro League, is said to be leading the charge with a mouthwatering package designed to eclipse his MLS earnings and redefine the global football market.

Cristiano Ronaldo, who recently signed a fresh two-year deal with Al-Nassr, has been central to Saudi Arabia’s plan to transform its football landscape into a global hub. The potential arrival of Messi—his greatest footballing rival—would not only boost Saudi viewership but also rewrite the narrative of one of football’s most iconic duels.

Talks reportedly intensified after Messi’s absence from Inter Miami’s recent training sessions raised questions about his long-term commitment. Although his representatives have kept tight-lipped, insiders believe Messi is open to the move—especially given the Saudi Pro League’s increasing pull among aging European stars and the region’s growing investment in sports diplomacy.

Messi’s next move is expected to be career-defining, both financially and symbolically. The chance to reunite in competition with Ronaldo, this time under Saudi lights, has ignited feverish debate across global football platforms. Analysts say such a clash could bring unprecedented viewership to the region, possibly matching or even surpassing the Ronaldo-Messi battles from their La Liga days.

With the 2025 expiration date ticking and Saudi billions on the table, all eyes are now on Messi’s camp. Will the GOAT showdown resume on Arab soil? The world watches—and waits.