Football clubs in Saudi Arabia are intensifying their interest in Lionel Messi. This was reported by Euro-football.ru.
The clubs "Al-Ahli" and "Al-Hilal" are ready to make significant financial offers to the great Argentine player, but "Inter Miami" is doing everything possible to retain this legend. The publication "Euro-Futbol.Ru" discusses the necessity for "Inter Miami" to keep Messi in MLS.
Messi's arrival in MLS has brought about a fundamental change in American football. The number of spectators has significantly increased, and "Inter Miami" matches are filling stadiums, not just for home games.
Messi's arrival has given a great boost to Beckham's team, which has gained worldwide popularity and increased its following on social media. Currently, Messi is considered the heart of "Inter Miami."
With his arrival, the club has also attracted other stars from around the world, including players like Busquets, Alba, and Suarez. Messi is bringing significant revenue not only to "Inter Miami" but to the entire MLS league as well.
After his arrival, European spectators began to show interest in MLS, which has taken the league to a new economic level. The biggest benefit has gone to Apple.
In 2022, they purchased the broadcasting rights for MLS for 2.5 billion dollars over 10 years. After Messi's transfer to "Inter Miami" was announced in 2023, all major brands intensified their interest in the American football market.
Saudi Arabia needs Messi, but Messi does not feel the need for Saudi Arabia. He previously played under the protection of sheikhs at "PSG," where there were great financial opportunities and stars, but this did not outweigh his family's well-being.
During two years in Paris, Messi and his family could not adapt, which negatively affected his game. In Florida, however, everything is available for Messi — a happy family, friends, the respect of fans, and warm relations with the management.
Saudi Arabia can only offer the player money, but if Messi needed money, he would have gone to Saudi Arabia in 2023 after Ronaldo. But he chose family and peace.
Messi has acknowledged that he is tired of constant attention in Europe. Moving to Saudi Arabia would certainly increase interest in the league, especially when competition with Ronaldo resumes, but none of this is important to Messi.
He has proven his status as a player who has won the "Ballon d'Or" eight times and secured a world championship. Messi is a symbol and a role model for the younger generation.
Under his influence, many children have started to take an interest in football. Messi is making American football popular and prestigious.
Now losing him would mean giving up all the achievements built over the last two years. Therefore, "Inter Miami" and MLS must utilize every opportunity to keep Messi — every contract, bonuses, and demands must be met.
However, Messi is also in the final stage of his career, and he just loves to play football, continuing to do so as long as his health allows. Such players come to championships at the MLS level once or twice in a century, so they have the right to leave at their discretion.
Author: Dmitriy Milyayev
