Messi Rejects Saudi Club’s £20 Billion Offer

Lionel Messi has turned down a staggering financial offer from a Saudi Arabian club, dashing hopes among football fans eager to witness a duel between him and long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo in the Saudi Pro League. Following his departure from Paris Saint-Germain, the Argentine superstar has opted for a different path, choosing Major League Soccer over the lucrative proposals from the Middle East.

Reports suggest that various Saudi clubs had lined up eye-watering sums to lure Messi. Among them, Al Hilal was reportedly prepared to meet the wishes of the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner with repeated offers. Now, Al-Ittihad’s president, Anmar Al-Haili, has revealed that Messi was offered €140 million per year after leaving PSG—an offer the 38-year-old forward ultimately declined.

President Al-Haili emphasised that money was never an obstacle. “There were no limits financially. If Messi had agreed to join Al-Ittihad, I would have drafted a contract allowing him to dictate both the terms and duration, even for life if he wished. We wanted Messi because he is the greatest player in history,” Al-Haili said.

Currently, Al-Ittihad’s marquee player is former Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema, yet Al-Haili confirmed that Messi remains at the top of their wish list.

Had Messi accepted the Saudi club’s proposal, he would have earned approximately 20,000 crore Bangladeshi Taka annually. However, the footballing legend and his family have chosen a different path. Al-Haili added, “He has decided to move to the United States with his family. I respect that decision, though the door at Al-Ittihad will always remain open for him.”

Now playing for Inter Miami, Messi ranks among the world’s highest-paid athletes, although his MLS earnings are significantly lower than what Saudi clubs had offered. Yet, this decision highlights that at this stage of his career, Messi values family and personal choice over financial gain. Under his leadership, Inter Miami has begun to taste consistent success, and Messi has frequently expressed his enjoyment of life in the United States alongside his family.

Estimated Annual Earnings Comparison (in Euros and BDT)

Messi’s decision marks a significant moment in football history, demonstrating that even the highest financial incentives cannot outweigh personal priorities and family considerations for one of the game’s greatest icons.