Lionel Messi rejected? Saudi chief claims four-month offer from Inter Miami star turned down ahead of World Cup 2026

However, Messi won’t be moving to Saudi Arabia at the turn of the year according to Hammad, after explained that he relayed the offer to the minister of sports who rejected it. “The minister made it clear that the Saudi league would not serve as a preparation platform for other tournaments,” Hammad said.

And when asked whether Saudi Arabia had turned down the chance to sign Messi, even temporarily, he replied: “That’s true.”

Messi’s MLS campaign may go all the way through to December as Inter Miami chase the MLS Cup. The Herons are one up in their ‘Best of Three’ series against Nashville following a 3-1 victory in the first match last week.

The 38-year-old netted twice in that win and will hope to add to his 31 league goals this season when they face the second match up at Geodis Park over the weekend. Inter Miami finished third in the Eastern Conference in the regular season, just one point off top spot.