Saudi Pro League giants Al Ittihad are once again making headlines after renewing their interest in global football icon Lionel Messi. The club has not ruled out a future move for the Argentine superstar and is reportedly prepared to go to extraordinary lengths to secure his signature including a lifetime-style contract that would redefine football deals in the region.
Messi has been a long-term target for Saudi clubs since his exit from Paris Saint-Germain. At the time Al Ittihad had tabled a staggering offer reportedly worth 1.4 billion euros per year. However the World Cup winner ultimately chose a move to the United States prioritising family stability and lifestyle over financial incentives. Despite that decision Al Ittihad leadership has made it clear that their admiration and pursuit of Messi has not faded.
Speaking recently Al Ittihad president Anmar Al Haili expressed his unwavering desire to bring Messi to Saudi Arabia. He stated that financial considerations are secondary and emphasised that Messi represents the greatest footballer in history. According to the club president Messi would be welcome at Al Ittihad whenever he decides the time is right with assurances that the club is willing to match any salary expectations and offer long-term security beyond a traditional playing contract.
The Saudi Pro League has already seen a dramatic rise in global visibility following the arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo at Al Nassr. Ronaldo’s move transformed the league into an international talking point attracting fans sponsors and elite players from around the world. His current deal reportedly includes massive annual wages a lucrative signing bonus performance-based incentives ambassadorial roles and even partial ownership in the club. The presence of Messi alongside Ronaldo in the same league could elevate Saudi football to unprecedented levels of global attention.
Ronaldo’s contract highlights the scale of ambition within Saudi football. In addition to his reported earnings he benefits from extensive lifestyle support including full-time staff personal security and performance bonuses linked to trophies and individual awards. These incentives underline how Saudi clubs are blending sporting ambition with commercial strategy to attract the biggest names in world football.
If Lionel Messi were to eventually accept Al Ittihad’s proposal it would mark one of the most significant transfers in football history not only in terms of value but also in cultural impact. The possibility of Messi following a path similar to Ronaldo continues to fuel speculation as fans worldwide watch closely to see whether Saudi Arabia can unite the two greatest rivals of the modern era on the same stage.
