Al-Ittihad’s owner claims Lionel Messi refused €1.4b contract before joining Inter Miami

Argentina and Inter Miami superstar Lionel Messi continues to captivate the global football landscape, widely regarded as one of the greatest players the sport has ever seen. His legacy is defined not only by an extraordinary career spanning over two decades but also by an unparalleled collection of individual accolades, including a record eight Ballon d’Or awards, cementing his status as the most decorated player in football history.

Before completing his landmark move to Inter Miami in 2023, Messi was at the center of a global transfer frenzy. Clubs from Europe, North America, and the Middle East aggressively pursued the Argentine icon, hoping to secure what many consider the biggest signing in modern sports. It has now been revealed that Saudi Arabian clubs were among the most determined suitors, offering unprecedented financial packages in an attempt to lure Messi to the Saudi Pro League.

Saudi giants Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad were the most active in their pursuit, with Al-Ittihad owner Anmar Al Haili publicly confirming that he extended a staggering €1.4 billion offer to the former Barcelona star as his contract with Paris Saint-Germain expired. According to Al Haili, money was never an obstacle—and he was prepared to go far beyond a traditional contract structure.

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“If Messi agrees to sign with Al-Ittihad, I would offer him a contract where he can earn whatever amount he wants, for as long as he wants — even for life. Yes, I did contact him at the end of his contract with PSG. I offered him 1.4 billion euros. He turned down such an enormous offer for the sake of his family, despite my efforts to convince them,” Al Haili said.

🚨🗣️ Anmar Al Haili:

“If Messi agrees to sign with Al-Ittihad, I would offer him a contract where he can write any amount of money he wants, for any duration he chooses, even for life. Having Messi here in Saudi Arabia wearing Al-Ittihad’s shirt, the financial profit means… pic.twitter.com/d1WBkpKOEU

— croxstats (@croxstats) January 13, 2026

The Al-Ittihad chief went on to praise Messi’s priorities and values, acknowledging the superstar’s decision to place personal life over financial gain.

“He didn’t hesitate to decline because family is more important than money. I respect that, and Al-Ittihad will always be glad to welcome him. He can come back whenever he wishes. Messi’s presence in Saudi Arabia, wearing our shirt, means nothing to me financially. We would celebrate the championship before he even started, because we would have the best player in the history of football,” he added.

The Saudi Pro League has made aggressive moves in recent years—signing Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, Karim Benzema, and Sadio Mané—to elevate its global profile. Adding Messi would have been the crown jewel of the league’s expansion strategy. However, despite the astronomical offers, Messi ultimately chose a different path.

As of now, a move to Saudi Arabia appears unlikely. Messi recently signed a contract extension with Inter Miami, committing himself to Major League Soccer through the end of the 2028 season, signaling long-term stability in the United States both for his career and his family.

While Saudi Arabia may still dream of bringing Lionel Messi to its rapidly growing football league, the Argentine legend has made it clear that family and lifestyle outweigh even the most staggering financial incentives. For now, Miami—and MLS—remain the center of Messi’s football universe, leaving fans and leagues worldwide to wonder if the door to Saudi Arabia will ever reopen.

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