The Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund has reportedly reopened talks to sign Lionel Messi as they look to finalise an agreement with the Inter Miami superstar.
Messi, 37, is out of contract at the end of December and the Saudi Pro League is determined to bring him to the Middle East after missing out on his signature following his Paris Saint-Germain departure in 2023.
That is according to TEAMtalk, who claim that although Messi is focused on performing well for Inter Miami at the upcoming Club World Cup, further developments regarding a possible move to the Saudi Pro League are expected to take place soon.
However, it remains to be seen which club Messi would join if he opts to accept a proposal from Saudi Arabia, with the PIF eager to understand whether the 37-year-old would be open to a transfer.
Lionel Messi to join the Saudi Pro League?
Before opting to join Inter Miami on a free transfer in 2023, Messi was extremely close to moving to Saudi Arabia after being offered a lucrative contract in the Middle East.
“I was thinking a lot about going to the Saudi league,” the Argentina legend told TIME Magazine in 2023.
“I know the country and they have created a very powerful competition that can become an important league in the near future.
“As the country’s tourism ambassador, it was a destination that attracted me, especially because I’ve enjoyed everything I have visited, because of how football is growing in the country and because of the effort they are putting into creating a top competition.
“It was Saudi Arabia or MLS, and both options seemed very interesting to me.”
However, Messi eventually opted to join MLS side Inter Miami, who are owned by ex-Manchester United star David Beckham, and he was soon joined at the club by former Barcelona team-mates Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba and Luiz Suarez.
Messi has scored 49 goals and provided 24 assists in 59 appearances for Inter Miami, but he could reportedly be set to leave the club as the Saudi Pro League chases an ambitious summer deal.
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