Al-Ahli are desperate to bring Lionel Messi to the Saudi Pro League, and reignite his rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo, according to a report in L’Equipe this morning.
Messi’s current contract with Inter Miami expires in December and it was suggested last week that he would renew but then seek a loan deal to ensure he is in peak condition for next summer’s World Cup.
Al-Ahli, however, want a straight transfer and to sign Messi when he becomes a free agent, claim L’Equipe.
INFO L’ÉQUIPE. Le club saoudien d’Al-Ahli aimerait faire venir Lionel Messi à partir de décembre, à la fin de son contrat avec l’Inter Miami.https://t.co/KTmYmqhFkq pic.twitter.com/4JfhGUb1XP
— L’Équipe (@lequipe) July 7, 2025
Messi could renew rivalry with Ronaldo
If the Asian champions were to be successful it would throw up the enticing prospect of Messi once again coming up against his old foe Ronaldo, against whom he fought many individual battles when they lined up for Barcelona and Real Madrid respectively.
Messi showed he could still cut it on the world stage by helping Miami to reach the knockout stages of the Club World Cup before the MLS side were beaten 4-0 by Paris Saint-Germain.
And the 38-year-old also shone on his return to action in the domestic league with two goals and an assist as Miami beat Montreal 4-1 on Saturday.
Messi is the third player in MLS history to score at least two goals and have an assist in three consecutive league matches and the first since Thierry Henry in 2012.
Ankara Messi, Ankara Messi, Ankara Messi Ankara Messi, Ankara Messi . 🐐 pic.twitter.com/DsvmC73hns
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) July 6, 2025
Messi praise from Mascherano
“I still enjoy watching him play, as a coach,” said Miami boss Javier Mascherano, who won the Champions League twice and La Liga five times as a team-mate of Messi at Barcelona between 2010 and 2018.
“For me, it’s a privilege to coach him. I was very lucky as a player to watch so many games of his and goals he scored.
“He’s clearly someone different – a different player we’re lucky to have – and today he made the difference again.”
Messi has worked previously as an ambassador for the Saudi Arabian Tourist Board but it remains to be seen if he opts for the Middle East over remaining in Miami where his family are believed to be settled.
Ronaldo chose Saudi and recently committed to another two years with Al-Nassr, signing a new contract until 2027.
