The Inter Miami contract from Lionel Messi is at the end of the year and it seems that a surprise transfer may be on the maps for the former Saint-Germain star of Barcelona and Paris and Paris
Lionel Messi is talking to Saudi side Al-Ahli about a sensational step to the Middle East later this year. The former Saint-Germain star of Barcelona and Paris sees his current Inter Miami contract in December.
And as it looks now, there has been no signs of a renewal. This has opened the possibility that Messi will leave the MLS side in 2026, with a number of clubs that are interested in moving.
Former side Barcelona has long been connected to him, with President Joan Laporta made his wish to bring the Argentinian back to the well -camp very clear. But it seems that a lucrative step to Saudi could also arise as an option for Messi.
According to the French Outlet L'Equipe, Saudi side Al-Ahli are interested in signing it and reportedly worked 'Weeks' to convince the eight times Ballon d'Or winner to move to the Middle East.
However, Inter Miami is still hopeful to keep him, with co-owner Jorge Mas recently revealed his wish to keep the 2022 World Cup winner until at least next season. Speaking with ESPN, he said: “I said earlier that my wish, my dream would be for the number 10 to inaugurate our new stadium in March.
“This is a decision based on Messi. We want Messi to finish his career here. I said a few months ago that we should have news about that in the summer, but hopefully it will be as soon as possible,” said Mas 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 have always said that he is a competitive animal, he wants to win. I hope that we can pick up many trophies here in Inter Miami in the coming years. Here we just wait to give the fans the good news about Lionel Messi.”
He added: “We are a bit selfish, we would like to see more trophies and of course with Messi here. I will not speak for Messi, but I speak for me and the club. Lionel has said from the day one that he wants to compete and wins. He is a competitive animal. We want to have the best roster on the highest level.
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“There is no tool that offers us that we are not used to improving this schedule: signing young players, finding other cracks. Find another star player next year because we have the space in the schedule. Not much is missing from our side.
Messi would see a move to Saudi reunited with long-term rival Cristiano Ronaldo, who plays for Al-Nassr. The future of the Portuguese attacker was previously in the air, but drew an eye-watery new deal until 2027.