Speculation is swirling around the future of football legend Lionel Messi as his contract with Inter Miami nears its end. With a 12-month extension option yet to be activated, whispers of a blockbuster move to Saudi Arabia are growing louder, potentially reuniting the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner with his eternal rival, Cristiano Ronaldo. However, Al-Ahli star Riyad Mahrez has issued a candid warning: Messi should expect no special treatment in the Saudi Pro League.
Messi’s time in Major League Soccer (MLS) has been nothing short of spectacular, with the Argentine icon dazzling fans in Florida alongside new teammate and fellow World Cup hero Rodrigo De Paul. Yet, as his contract winds down, the Saudi Pro League is making a bold play to lure the global superstar. Reports suggest that Al-Ahli, one of the league’s heavyweights, is preparing a lucrative offer to bring Messi to the Middle East, a move that would see him face off against Ronaldo, who recently penned a new two-year deal with Al-Nassr.
This isn’t the first time Saudi clubs have come knocking. Messi previously turned down advances from the Saudi Pro League, opting instead for the vibrant project at Inter Miami. But with his future uncertain, Al-Ahli’s latest proposal could tempt the 38-year-old to embark on a new chapter in a league increasingly known for attracting football’s biggest names.
Riyad Mahrez, the former Manchester City winger now shining at Al-Ahli, didn’t hold back when discussing the prospect of playing alongside Messi. Speaking to CARRE, Mahrez described the idea as a “childhood dream,” praising Messi as a role model and a footballer who has inspired generations. “He’s playing as a 10, and me on the right, switching from time to time,” Mahrez mused, painting an enticing picture of their potential partnership.
However, Mahrez was quick to temper the excitement with a dose of reality. “There’s no special protection for dribblers in the Saudi league,” he warned. “I’ve taken a lot of hits.” For a player like Messi, renowned for his mesmerizing dribbling and playmaking, this serves as a stark reminder that the Saudi Pro League is a physically demanding competition where even the greatest talents must brace for tough challenges.
Messi is no stranger to rough treatment on the pitch. Throughout his illustrious career at Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, and now Inter Miami, opponents have often resorted to physical tactics to neutralize his genius. Yet, the Argentine maestro has never shied away from a challenge, consistently rising above the fray with his unmatched skill and vision.
As the countdown to the 2026 World Cup looms—where Messi aims to defend Argentina’s title—the decision about his club future carries immense weight. Will he extend his stay in Miami, where he’s become a cornerstone of Inter Miami’s rise? Or will he take on the Saudi challenge, reuniting with Ronaldo in a league that promises both riches and rivalries?
The prospect of Messi joining Al-Ahli would not only shake up the Saudi Pro League but also reignite one of football’s greatest rivalries. A clash between Messi and Ronaldo in the Middle East would captivate fans worldwide, offering a new chapter in their storied competition. For now, though, Messi remains at a crossroads, with his next move poised to shape the twilight of his legendary career.