As speculation grows around Lionel Messi’s next career move, the Argentine legend has been cautioned that the Saudi Pro League will not offer him any “special protection” if he decides to swap life in Major League Soccer for a highly lucrative spell in the Middle East.
Messi’s current deal with Inter Miami, signed in 2023, includes a 12-month extension clause that is yet to be activated. While the club remains hopeful of retaining their talisman, interest from abroad, especially from Saudi Arabia—is intensifying.
Reports indicate that Al-Ahli, one of the country’s biggest clubs, is preparing an aggressive financial offer to lure the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner away from the United States.
Amid these swirling rumours, Al-Ahli winger Riyad Mahrez offered a grounded perspective on what Messi might expect if he joins the Saudi Pro League.
Speaking to CARRE, Mahrez acknowledged the global admiration Messi commands but emphasized that fame and talent won’t exempt him from the league’s physical demands.
“It’s our childhood dream. As footballers, we saw him a lot; he’s our role model.
“Would there be ‘protection’? There’s no special protection for dribblers in the Saudi league. I’ve taken a lot of hits.”
Al-Ahli winger Riyad Mahrez
Such a move would reunite Messi with his long-standing rival Cristiano Ronaldo, who recently signed a two-year extension with Al-Nassr.
The pair, who dominated European football for over a decade, could be set to resume their storied rivalry on Saudi soil, should Messi accept the offer.
That candid assessment highlights a crucial point for Messi, who, despite his finesse and vision, has been targeted by defenders throughout his career.
The Argentine has never shied away from tough challenges and is renowned for his resilience, but a move to Saudi Arabia would certainly test his durability again at the age of 38.
Messi’s future remains uncertain. While Inter Miami has bolstered its squad with fellow World Cup winner Rodrigo De Paul in an attempt to convince him to stay, interest from Saudi Arabia and beyond continues to build.
With the 2026 FIFA World Cup on the horizon, the footballing world watches closely as the GOAT weighs his next move.
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