Lionel Messi, the Argentine football superstar, has once again made headlines—not for a sensational goal, but for a career-defining decision. Contrary to widespread speculation, Messi has declined a staggering offer from a Saudi Pro League club, choosing instead to continue his journey in Major League Soccer with Inter Miami.
Football enthusiasts around the world had eagerly anticipated a showdown between Messi and his long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia. The prospect of witnessing such an epic duel generated intense excitement. Saudi clubs, eager to lure the multiple Ballon d’Or winner, reportedly prepared eye-watering contracts. Yet Messi, prioritising his family and personal choices over financial incentives, opted for a different path.
Al-Ittihad president Anmar Al-Haili recently revealed that his club had offered Messi an annual salary of €140 million following his departure from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). Despite the colossal sum, Messi, now 38, chose to reject the proposal.
“Money was never an obstacle. If Messi had agreed to join Al-Ittihad, I would have offered him a contract of any size or duration—even lifelong. We wanted him because he is the greatest footballer in history,” Al-Haili stated.
Currently, Al-Ittihad’s marquee player is former Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema, but Messi remains the club’s ultimate priority. Accepting the Saudi offer could have earned Messi approximately €2 billion annually, equivalent to nearly 20,000 crore Bangladeshi taka. Yet he chose family and life in the United States over this astronomical sum.
Al-Haili added, “Messi has decided to move to the United States with his family. I fully respect that decision. However, the doors of Al-Ittihad will always remain open for him.”
Messi’s tenure at Inter Miami has already brought the club unprecedented success, helping them claim trophies regularly. While his MLS salary is considerably lower than the Saudi proposal, the Argentine forward has demonstrated that, at this stage of his career, personal happiness and family stability outweigh financial gain. Interviews and social media posts suggest that Messi is enjoying his life in the U.S., embracing a new chapter with his loved ones.
| Club / Offer Details | Annual Salary (€ Million) | Equivalent in BDT (Crore) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Al-Ittihad (Saudi Pro League) | 140 | ~20,000 | Rejected |
| Inter Miami (MLS, USA) | Not publicly disclosed | Lower than Saudi offer | Accepted |
Messi’s decision underscores a broader lesson for athletes worldwide: even at the pinnacle of sporting achievement, choices guided by personal values and family can surpass even the most lucrative financial temptations.