A significant development in the contract discussions between Lionel Messi and Inter Miami has come to light, courtesy of a transfer reporter, providing a clue about the future of the legendary Argentine player.
It is little secret that the Argentinian legend’s contract expires at the end of this year, setting clubs around the world on red alert.
On Monday French outlet L’Equipe reported that the 38-year-old had entered talks with Saudi Arabian side Al-Ahli.
In 2023, he was said to have rejected an unprecedented $400million-a-year (£294m) offer from Al-Hilal, who went on to sign Neymar instead.
In any case, Inter Miami are ‘extremely confident’ of tying down Messi on fresh terms, according to The Athletic’s David Ornstein.
Inter Miami are reportedly ‘extremely confident’ that Lionel Messi will sign a new contract
The 38-year-old has reportedly been in talks with Saudi Arabian Side Al-Ahli in recent days
David Beckham, pictured at Wimbledon, wants to keep Messi as Inter Miami move to a new stadium
Since joining Miami in 2023, Messi has been a game-changer for the team, netting 52 goals and contributing 25 assists over 64 matches for the club owned by David Beckham.
He has significantly elevated the status of soccer in the United States. His debut, marked by a dramatic last-minute free-kick goal against Cruz Azul, became the most-viewed moment in American soccer history, attracting an audience of 12.5 million television viewers.
Attendances for Inter Miami games in the group stages of the Club World Cup reached 51,000 – around 16,000 higher than the average.
Of course, Miami’s confidence that Messi will re-sign does not mean the deal is set in stone.
According to one report, SPL figures have not given up hope of convincing Messi to join Al-Ahli, one of four clubs who are owned by the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund, alongside Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr and Al-Ittihad.
Although Miami are negotiating a one-year contract extension with Messi, the report adds that Al-Ahli have been trying to convince the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner to join them for several weeks.
Messi also has a history with the Middle Eastern state, having previously signed a three-year deal worth approximately $25m (£18.4m) with the Saudi Tourism Authority to promote the kingdom.
In 2023 he hinted that a move to the Saudi Pro League was an option that could be possible in the future.
Miami are set to move to a $1billion, 25,000-seater stadium called Freedom Park in 2026
Messi has been Inter Miami’s talisman since joining in 2023, scoring 52 goals and adding 25 assists
‘I was thinking a lot about going to the Saudi league,’ he told TIME Magazine in March.
‘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.’
If Messi was to join Al-Ahli, who won the AFC Champions League in 2024-25, he would join former Premier League stars Roberto Firmino, Riyad Mahrez, Edouard Mendy and Ivan Toney in their squad.
He would also come back into direct competition with his long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo after the Portuguese superstar signed a new contract with Al-Nassr.
Meanwhile, Messi was recently in action at the Club World Cup before Miami were knocked out in the last-16 stage by his former club PSG after a 4-0 defeat.
Nevertheless, reflecting on Instagram after the game, Messi expressed his pride at his side’s performance.
Messi’s former Barcelona and Argentina team-mate Javier Mascherano manages Inter Miami
‘Today marks the end of the Club World Cup for us with a defeat against the current Champions League champions, where there are people I appreciate and I was happy to see again,’ he said.
‘We’re proud to have achieved our goal of finishing among the top 16 in the tournament. Now let’s focus on MLS and everything that’s coming up.’
Following that tournament, Messi was back in MLS action on Sunday and scored twice as Miami beat Montreal 4-1.
He is thought to be on around £46m per season with Miami, who are set to move to their new $1billion (£730m) Freedom Park Stadium in 2026.
