Riyad Mahrez warns Lionel Messi amid Saudi Pro League transfer speculations

Messi’s deal with Inter Miami will expire at the end of the year.

Riyad Mahrez, an attacker for Al Ahli, warned that Lionel Messi would face harsh treatment from Saudi Pro League defenders if he joins the team, after rumours that the Saudi club are keen on bringing the superstar to the Middle East have been making the rounds.

Since Lionel Messi entered the last 12 months of his contract with Inter Miami, there has been much discussion about his future in Miami.

Despite repeated updates from club administrators, no agreement has been reached. The Argentine star athlete’s lucrative contract expires in December.

Following Messi’s MLS suspension for missing the All-Star Game, Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas adopted a more circumspect stance. Mas said:

“As expected, he’s really, really upset about receiving the suspension.”

Mahrez sends a warning to Lionel Messi

Among the teams predicted to sign the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner are reigning Asian champions Al Ahli. Mahrez, who moved to Jeddah from Manchester City in 2023, cautioned that Messi would not have it his way in the Middle East.

“There’s no special protection for dribblers in the Saudi league,” the Algeria international told CARRÉ this week. “I’ve taken a lot of hits.”

Mahrez would be keen on playing with his football idol

Riyad Mahrez, however, was very clear that he would be happy to have his sporting idol. When the possibility of working with Messi was brought up, the 34-year-old exclaimed:

“It’s our childhood dream.”

He further added, “As footballers, we watched him a lot; he’s our role model. It would be truly exceptional to play with him. Imaging how we’d play together, him playing as a 10 and me on the right, switching from time to time, that would be great.”

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