Lionel Messi could make a stunning exit from Inter Miami and reignite his rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo in the Saudi Pro League after receiving a big money approach from the Gulf nation.
The legendary forward’s contract in Miami is due to expire at the end of December and his side’s patchy start to the season could see Messi consider leaving the MLS club on a free transfer.
Saudi Arabia had already tried to lure Messi to their league in 2023 when he opted to leave Paris Saint-Germain for Inter Miami and they will once again try their luck in order to continue boosting the country’s footballing profile ahead of their hosting of the World Cup in 2034.
Financial details of Al-Ahli’s approach have yet to be revealed, while Inter Miami are also desperate to keep hold of Messi and renew his deal, but it is likely that Saudi Arabia will make a substantial offer that could eclipse the Argentine star’s current salary.
With Ronaldo having extended his contract at Al-Nassr last month, the duo could renew their long-standing rivalry in a new league going into the twilight years of their careers.
Ronaldo vs Messi: head-to-head record ahead of potential blockbuster reunion
The last meeting between the two global superstars was in January 2023 when PSG played a ‘Riyadh XI’ featuring Ronaldo, with the Portuguese star netting twice in a 5-4 loss after Messi had opened the scoring in the third minute.
Prior to that, Ronaldo had emerged victorious in the last competitive matchup between the pair in 2020 when he scored two penalties in Juventus’ 3-0 win over Barcelona in the Champions League.
In 37 games against each other, Messi has emerged victorious in 17 compared to Ronaldo’s 11, although both players have scored 23 goals each in those meetings.
Should Messi move to Al-Ahli, he would be joining the Asian Champions League winners and a team who finished fifth and three points behind Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League in a historical way to extend their fierce competitive rivalry.
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