Lionel Messi has reportedly turned down an eye-watering offer from a Saudi Arabian club, opting instead to continue his football journey in the United States with Inter Miami. Football fans around the world had eagerly anticipated a showdown between Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in the Saudi Pro League following Messi’s departure from Paris Saint-Germain. Clubs in the Middle East were prepared to tempt the Argentine superstar with staggering financial incentives, yet ‘LM10’ chose a different path.
According to Al-Ittihad president Anmar Al-Haili, Messi, now 38, was offered a contract worth €140 million per year after leaving PSG—a sum that would have made him one of the highest-paid athletes in history. Despite the generous terms, Messi declined the proposal, prioritising family and lifestyle considerations over financial gain.
Al-Haili emphasised that money was never a barrier. “We were ready to offer Messi any contract he wished—any amount, any duration, even a lifetime deal. I wanted him at Al-Ittihad because he is the greatest footballer in history,” he said.
Currently, Al-Ittihad’s marquee player is former Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema, but the club president made it clear that Messi remains their top preference. Had Messi accepted, his annual earnings in Bangladeshi taka would have approached 20,000 crore, an astronomical figure by any standard.
| Player | Club Offered | Annual Salary (€) | Approx. in BDT | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lionel Messi | Al-Ittihad (Saudi) | 140,000,000 | ~20,000 crore | Declined |
| Lionel Messi | Inter Miami (MLS) | Estimated 50,000,000 | ~7,000 crore | Accepted |
Messi’s decision to join Inter Miami means his salary in Major League Soccer is considerably lower than the Saudi offer. However, the move has already brought immense value to the club, helping them secure regular silverware and raising the league’s profile globally. The Argentine has spoken warmly about enjoying his new life in the United States with his family, demonstrating that at this stage in his career, personal contentment outweighs monetary incentives.
This decision underscores Messi’s priorities beyond football, reflecting a desire to balance family life and professional ambitions. While the Saudi clubs presented historic financial offers, Messi’s choice reaffirms that even the highest sums cannot eclipse personal and familial well-being.