Eternal rivalry on the horizon again? Al Ahli attempts to sign Messi

Saudi Arabian club Al Ahli is making an ambitious move to sign Lionel Messi from Inter Miami, according to a report published Monday by L'Équipe.

The Jeddah-based side, backed by the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), is reportedly laying the groundwork for a high-profile deal aimed at bringing the Argentine superstar to the Saudi Pro League once his current contract in Major League Soccer expires in December 2025.

Although no financial details have been disclosed so far, sources close to the situation suggest that Al Ahli is preparing an offer that could rival or even surpass the record-breaking contracts already handed out to other global stars who have joined the Saudi project including Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, Karim Benzema, and N'Golo Kanté. The reported interest marks another bold attempt by Saudi Arabia to position its domestic league as a legitimate global force in world football.

This is not the first time the Kingdom has pursued Messi. In the summer of 2023, following the end of his deal with Paris Saint-Germain, Saudi officials launched an aggressive campaign to sign the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner. Al Hilal was widely considered the frontrunner at the time, reportedly offering Messi the most lucrative contract in football history. Yet the Argentine chose a different path, opting to move to the United States and sign with David Beckham’s Inter Miami, citing lifestyle, family considerations, and the opportunity to grow football in North America.

Since arriving in MLS, Messi has had a transformative effect on Inter Miami and the league itself. His debut sparked unprecedented media coverage, a surge in attendance, and a rise in TV ratings and global interest in MLS. On the field, he quickly became the heartbeat of the team, leading them to their first-ever trophy the Leagues Cup and boosting the club's global visibility.

Despite Messi’s strong ties to Inter Miami, Al Ahli appears undeterred. According to L'Équipe, the Saudi club has been working behind the scenes for several weeks to establish contact with Messi’s representatives and explore the possibility of a post-MLS move. Their pitch reportedly revolves around the idea of reuniting the legendary rivalry between Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo this time on Saudi soil.

With Ronaldo having recently renewed his contract with Al Nassr, the vision of regular "Messi vs. Ronaldo" clashes in the Saudi Pro League has reignited global fascination. For over a decade, the two dominated world football with their battles in La Liga, defining an era of sporting greatness that captivated fans worldwide. Now, Saudi Arabia hopes to revive that magic and use it as a vehicle to elevate the stature and visibility of its domestic competition.

From a sporting and commercial perspective, the implications would be massive. A Messi transfer would not only bring unmatched attention to the Saudi league but also serve as another major win in the Kingdom's broader strategy of using sports particularly football as a tool for global soft power. Messi already has ties to Saudi Arabia through his role as a tourism ambassador, a position that has drawn criticism from some quarters but also reflects the country’s long-term interest in aligning itself with elite sporting figures.

However, convincing Messi to leave Inter Miami won’t be easy. The MLS club is deeply invested in its relationship with the Argentine, and owners Jorge Mas and David Beckham are reportedly committed to keeping him beyond 2025. Inter Miami is also building a new stadium, Miami Freedom Park, set to open in 2025, and the club sees Messi as the centerpiece of its long-term vision, both as a player and potentially in an ambassadorial or ownership role after his retirement.

For now, Messi has not made any public statements about his future beyond 2025. But the renewed interest from Saudi Arabia and Al Ahli’s persistent efforts suggest that the race for his signature may already be underway.

Whether or not he accepts the offer, one thing is certain: the potential return of the Messi-Ronaldo rivalry, even in a new context, would be a marketing and footballing spectacle like no other and Saudi Arabia appears ready to do whatever it takes to make it happen.