Al-Ittihad president ready to offer Lionel Messi 'whatever he wants' to go head-to-head with Cristiano Ronaldo in SPL
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The Argentine is no stranger to being courted by a Saudi club.
The significance of Lionel Messi is simply immeasurable. The greatest football player of all time is still one of the most sought-after names in the world at the age of 38, especially after winning Inter Miami’s first Major League Soccer championship.
Prior to moving to the US, while FC Barcelona hoped for an unattainable comeback, the Argentine was closely linked with the Saudi Pro League. This is the same league that has previously been successful in luring players like Cristiano Ronaldo.
Al-Ittihad president reveals they still want to sign Messi
But despite the Saudi Pro League’s enormous contracts, Lionel Messi chose Miami over money because he valued his sport and family more.
“If Leo agrees to sign for Al Ittihad, I would offer him a contract where he could earn whatever he wants, for as long as he wants — even for life. Having Messi here, wearing our shirt, means nothing to me financially. I want Messi because he would be the greatest player in the history of football,” the Tiger’s president said without hesitation.
Saudi Arabia is still adamant that Lionel Messi is the final component of their project. Al Ittihad’s owner, Anmar Al Haili, stated that he would go to great measures to sign him.
They previously tried to sign Messi
Al Haili had previously attempted to persuade the Argentine. The Saudi billionaire had previously made an incredible offer when Lionel Messi left Paris Saint-Germain and became a free agent.
“I offered him €1.4 billion per year, but he turned it down because his family preferred the United States. I respect that, and Al Ittihad will always have its doors open to him,” he revealed.
The situation seems considerably more remote now. On October 23, Lionel Messi extended his contract with Inter Miami, and there are no concrete indications that he will consider the Saudi option.
FC Barcelona would probably be the sole emotional destination if he ever changed his direction. But as of right now, it’s only a dream.
Who is Anmar Al Haili?
He is the president of Al-Ittihad.
How much are they willing to offer Lionel Messi?
Previously, they have offered him €1.4 billion per year. Moreover, they are ready to offer whatever amount he wants.
When is Messi’s Inter Miami deal expiring?
His deal will expire in 2028.
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After earning a bachelor's degree in mass media, Rajarshi began his career as a sports writer in 2019, driven by his passion for sports journalism. He has been working in the field for over six years. A devoted fan of Lionel Messi and Barcelona, Rajarshi has been involved in sports since childhood. Before turning his focus to journalism, he even represented his college at the state level. Along with covering football, he enjoys playing the game, watching movies, and experimenting with new recipes in his spare time, as cooking is one of his favorite hobbies.