[b]Lionel Messi[/b] is reportedly in advanced negotiations to join Saudi Pro League side [b]Al Ahli[/b], a shocking move that could reignite his famous and historic rivalry with Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo. If finalized, this potential transfer would represent one of the most sensational signings in recent football history and would further transform the Saudi Pro League into a global football powerhouse.
According to a report from French outlet L’Equipe, officials from Al Ahli are making significant efforts to secure the services of the Inter Miami forward, with discussions already at an advanced stage. The Saudi club is reportedly preparing a lucrative offer designed to convince Messi to leave Major League Soccer (MLS) when his current contract with Inter Miami runs out in December 2025.
Meanwhile, Inter Miami are doing everything they can to keep their star player, pushing for a contract extension to tie Messi down beyond his current deal. However, despite their eagerness to secure his future, the 36-year-old Argentine icon has not yet agreed to new terms, leaving the door open for potential suitors from abroad, including big-spending Middle Eastern clubs.
If Messi ultimately decides to join Al Ahli, he would not only bring his immense talent and experience to the Saudi Pro League but also build on his existing ties to Saudi Arabia. It is worth noting that Messi already has a lucrative £18.4 million ambassadorial agreement with the Kingdom’s Tourism Authority, which has seen him frequently promote tourism campaigns for the Gulf nation.
In addition to reuniting Messi with Saudi Arabia, the move would also see him line up alongside several other global stars at Al Ahli, including Roberto Firmino, Riyad Mahrez, and Ivan Toney. This star-studded squad would undoubtedly become one of the most formidable and marketable in the Middle East, potentially dominating the regional and continental competitions.
Perhaps the most captivating aspect of this potential transfer is the prospect of reviving Messi’s legendary rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo. Football fans worldwide have long cherished the fierce competition between the two icons during their years in La Liga, and this move would set the stage for "Messi vs Ronaldo Part II" — this time on Saudi Arabian soil. Their head-to-head battles would captivate global audiences once more, creating a spectacle that extends far beyond the Middle East.
It is important to recall that Ronaldo recently signed an extension with Al Nassr, keeping him at the Saudi club until at least 2027. This development means that if Messi joins Al Ahli, both superstars would be set to clash in Saudi Arabia’s top flight, potentially renewing one of the most thrilling rivalries in sports history, much to the excitement of their fans worldwide.