Kingdom refuses to become a ‘training ground’ for foreign stars
In a surprising revelation, Saudi Arabia has reportedly declined an offer from football icon Lionel Messi to play in the Saudi Pro League during the Major League Soccer (MLS) off-season a move that would have seen the Argentine star spend a short stint in the Kingdom to maintain his fitness.
Speaking on the Thmanyah podcast, Abdullah Hammad, CEO of the Mahd Sports Academy, disclosed that Messi’s representatives approached him during the last Club World Cup with a proposal. The idea was for Messi to play temporarily in Saudi Arabia while the MLS remained on break for nearly four months.
“The player wanted to stay fit and prepare for the 2026 World Cup,” Hammad said, adding that he forwarded the offer to the Minister of Sports, who ultimately rejected it. “The minister made it clear that the Saudi league would not serve as a preparation ground for other tournaments,” he added.
Hammad also drew a distinction between the approaches of Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, noting that while Messi maintained close ties with Barcelona and set specific conditions before considering moves, Ronaldo fully embraced a new challenge when he joined Al Nassr in 2022.
Messi, who had long been linked with a potential move to Saudi Arabia, eventually joined Inter Miami after leaving Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in 2023. He has since extended his contract with the American club until 2028.
Saudi Arabia’s decision highlights its growing confidence and ambition to build a competitive domestic league one that attracts global talent, but on its own terms, not as a short-term pit stop for football superstars.
