Lionel Messi Transfer: Al-Ahli Move Could Rekindle Ronaldo Rivalry

Lionel Messi transfer talk has erupted again as Saudi Arabian giants Al-Ahli reportedly table an offer designed to lure the Inter Miami superstar to the Saudi Pro League and reunite him with eternal rival Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Latest Twist in the Lionel Messi Transfer Saga

Reports from French outlet L’Équipe claim that Al-Ahli officials have opened negotiations with Messi’s camp, hoping to strike a pre-contract agreement that would take effect when his current Inter Miami deal expires at the end of 2024. The proposal, said to dwarf most MLS salaries, would allow the Argentine captain to complete the current Major League Soccer season before heading to Jeddah in December.

Why Saudi Arabia Wants Lionel Messi

Saudi football chiefs view a Lionel Messi transfer as the missing piece in their global branding strategy. Cristiano Ronaldo’s arrival at Al-Nassr in January 2023 multiplied international viewership figures, but signing Messi would cement the league’s appeal to every corner of the football world. Tourism authorities are believed to be backing the bid, ready to offer commercial incentives that extend far beyond a conventional player contract.

Financial Firepower on the Table

Sources close to the discussions suggest Al-Ahli’s package could eclipse the reported €200 million per season Ronaldo receives. Revenue-sharing from image rights, a stake in future league broadcasting deals, and ambassadorial roles for Saudi Arabia’s 2034 World Cup bid have all been floated. While exact numbers remain confidential, insiders say the kingdom is prepared to “do whatever it takes” to land the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner.

Current Situation at Inter Miami

Messi has amassed 20 goals and 16 assists across all competitions since arriving in Florida last summer, lifting the Leagues Cup and helping the Herons secure their first Supporters’ Shield. Yet his contract officially runs only until December 2024, with a club option for 2025. Franchise co-owner David Beckham has publicly stated that extending Messi’s stay is his “top priority,” but negotiations have dragged on for months without a breakthrough.

MLS vs Saudi Pro League: Competing Visions

Major League Soccer positions itself as a rapidly growing, tech-savvy competition targeting North American fans ahead of the 2026 World Cup. The Saudi Pro League, however, is buying ready-made superstars to turbo-charge global visibility overnight. A Lionel Messi transfer would crystallize that contrast: a clash between a development-centric model and an oil-funded juggernaut determined to leapfrog traditional European leagues.

Reigniting the Messi-Ronaldo Rivalry

Should the deal materialize, Messi would join Al-Ahli, the most decorated club in Saudi Arabia, while Ronaldo continues to lead Al-Nassr’s title charge. The two sides have already forged a fierce domestic rivalry; adding the sport’s two greatest players would make their showdowns must-watch events for audiences far beyond the Middle East. Clasico-level hype could return, albeit 4,000 kilometers from the original stage.

Potential Impact on the World Cup

Both icons have one eye on the 2026 World Cup. Messi will be 39, Ronaldo 41, but each believes a strong club environment is essential to stay sharp for what could be a final international bow. Saudi officials argue that their investment in sports science and elite facilities will help prolong Messi’s career. MLS executives counter that the league’s lighter travel load and advanced performance data tools keep players fresher during long seasons.

What Inter Miami Can Still Offer

Inter Miami’s owners may sweeten their renewal bid by offering an equity stake in the franchise, similar to David Beckham’s post-playing arrangement with LA Galaxy. There is also the allure of Miami’s burgeoning Latin-American community, which has embraced Messi as both hero and neighbor. Additionally, Apple’s global streaming partnership with MLS gives Messi unprecedented exposure to digital audiences—though Saudi Arabia’s state-backed broadcasters could match that reach with aggressive distribution deals.

Dressing Room Dynamics at Al-Ahli

On the pitch, Al-Ahli already boast former Premier League stars Riyad Mahrez, Roberto Firmino, and Édouard Mendy. Club insiders believe Messi’s playmaking skills would elevate the squad to title favorites instantly. Coach Matthias Jaissle is said to have drawn up tactical plans revolving around Messi as a free-roaming “false nine,” with Mahrez and Firmino interchanging in wide and central roles.

How a Lionel Messi Transfer Could Reshape Global Broadcasting

TV networks and streaming giants are monitoring developments closely. When Ronaldo debuted in Riyadh, international rights fees for the Saudi Pro League spiked. Analysts predict that adding Messi could double or triple those numbers, sparking bidding wars in markets such as the United States, India, and Southeast Asia. Such windfalls would allow Saudi clubs to continue raiding Europe and South America for marquee names.

Possible Obstacles

1. MLS Collective Bargaining: Any mid-season exit would require league approval and could trigger negotiation of new Designated Player rules.
2. FIFA Regulations: A December move fits within global transfer windows, but Messi would need to terminate or decline his 2025 option in Miami.
3. Family Considerations: Messi’s wife Antonela and their three children are settled in South Florida, with school calendars and lifestyle preferences potentially influencing the decision.

Timeline to Watch

• July 2024: Messi becomes eligible to negotiate pre-contracts outside MLS.
• October 2024: Inter Miami aim to finalize roster for the 2025 campaign.
• December 2024: Saudi transfer window opens, enabling immediate registration.
• January 2025: Potential unveiling at King Abdullah Sports City, Jeddah.

Opinion: A Move That Makes Sense—But at What Cost?

From a sporting viewpoint, joining Al-Ahli could rejuvenate Messi’s rivalry with Ronaldo and introduce a fresh competitive edge late in both players’ careers. Financially, it would be another record-shattering deal. Yet MLS offered Messi more than money—it offered cultural impact, a gateway to the American market, and a family-friendly environment. If the Argentine chooses Saudi riches, he risks diluting that legacy in exchange for a final encore on an emerging stage. Ultimately, the decision will hinge on whether the quest for new horizons outweighs the comforts of Miami and the vision he was hired to build.