Eyeing Potential Lionel Messi Move, Saudi Pro League ‘Happy to Welcome’ Inter Miami Ace, Says Sporting Director

The door to Saudi Arabia is always open for Lionel Messi. Recently, the Argentine revealed that he was close to joining Cristiano Ronaldo in the Gulf after he left PSG. However, things didn’t work back then and he ended up joining David Beckham‘s Inter Miami. Recently, Saudi Arabia’s sporting director revealed that a legendary player like Messi is always welcome in the Middle East.

The Saudi Pro League left the soccer world stunned after spending over $700 million last summer. This also made them the second-highest-spending league in soccer after the Premier League. Even now, the Gulf is ready to cover distinguished players with gold if they are ready to make the big move. Can Messi be one?

Lionel Messi is always welcome to the Middle East

Saudi Pro League Sporting Director Michael Emelano has confirmed that they are looking for iconic players like Messi. As per ‘The Guardian’ he said, “If he [Lionel Messi] decides next season that he wants to come here, we will be happy to welcome him. If he wants to stay in MLS, we will be very, very happy for him.”He later claimed that the league is doing all that it can to bring players who are interested to Saudi Arabia.

Michael Emenalo joined the Saudi Pro League as the sporting director in July 2023. At that time, the Middle East was attracting major players like Neymar, Karim Benzema, and Riyad Mahrez. The overflow of talents to the Gulf was following Ronaldo’s move to Al-Nassr. If Lionel Messi joins forces with them, then Saudi Arabia’s growth in soccer will be unparalleled.

Surprisingly, Al-Hilal wanted to sign the Argentine superstar’s contract soon after he left Paris Saint-Germain. Emelano talked about this and clarified that he has no idea why Messi chose Inter-Miami over the 18-time champions. However, it’s never too late for the soccer legend to find a home in the Gulf country.

The soccer legend considered a move to Saudi Arabia

Recently, Messi revealed that after leaving Paris Saint-Germain, he had plenty of options on the table and was confused. At the time, he also wanted to come back to the club of his heart, Barcelona. The 36-year-old created history in the club by being the top scorer over an unequaled seventeen-year period.

READ MORE: Why TIME Magazine Named Lionel Messi, the First Footballer, As Athlete of the Year for 2023?

However, when returning to Barcelona didn’t materialize; his next option was to follow in the footsteps of Cristiano Ronaldo. Messi said to Time Magazine, “I was thinking a lot about going to the Saudi League.” Nonetheless, things took an unexpected turn, and Messi found his comfort in the MLS. Do you think that the soccer legend might move to Saudi Arabia? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

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