Al-Ahli are determined to convey Lionel Messi to the Saudi Professional League, and reignite his rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo, in line with a report in L’Equipe this morning.
Messi’s present contract with Inter Miami expires in December and it was suggested last week that he would renew but then seek a loan deal to ensure he is in peak condition for next summer’s World Cup.
Al-Ahli, nonetheless, need a straight switch and to signal Messi when he turns into a free agent, declare L’Equipe.
INFO L’ÉQUIPE. Le membership saoudien d’Al-Ahli aimerait faire venir Lionel Messi à partir de décembre, à la fin de son contrat avec l’Inter Miami.https://t.co/KTmYmqhFkq pic.twitter.com/4JfhGUb1XP
— L’Équipe (@lequipe) July 7, 2025
Messi might renew rivalry with Ronaldo
If the Asian champions had been to achieve success it might throw up the attractive prospect of Messi as soon as once more developing in opposition to his previous foe Ronaldo, in opposition to whom he fought many particular person battles once they lined up for Barcelona and Actual Madrid respectively.
Messi confirmed he might nonetheless minimize it on the world stage by serving to Miami to succeed in the knockout phases of the Membership World Cup earlier than the MLS side were beaten 4-0 by Paris Saint-Germain.
And the 38-year-old additionally shone on his return to motion within the home league with two objectives and an help as Miami beat Montreal 4-1 on Saturday.
Messi is the third participant in MLS historical past to attain at the least two objectives and have an help in three consecutive league matches and the primary since Thierry Henry in 2012.
Ankara Messi, Ankara Messi, Ankara Messi Ankara Messi, Ankara Messi . 🐐 pic.twitter.com/DsvmC73hns
— Main League Soccer (@MLS) July 6, 2025
Messi reward from Mascherano
“I nonetheless take pleasure in watching him play, as a coach,” mentioned Miami boss Javier Mascherano, who received the Champions League twice and La Liga 5 occasions as a team-mate of Messi at Barcelona between 2010 and 2018.
“For me, it’s a privilege to educate him. I used to be very fortunate as a participant to observe so many video games of his and objectives he scored.
“He’s clearly somebody totally different – a distinct participant we’re fortunate to have – and immediately he made the distinction once more.”
Messi has labored beforehand as an envoy for the Saudi Arabian Vacationer Board but it surely stays to be seen if he opts for the Center East over remaining in Miami the place his household are believed to be settled.
Ronaldo selected Saudi and recently committed to another two years with Al-Nassr, signing a new contract until 2027.
