Breaking: Al‑Ittihad keeps Messi pursuit alive with open terms, despite Inter miami path
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In a bold continuing push, Al‑Ittihad President Anmar al Haili reiterated the club’s ambition to land Lionel Messi, stressing that money will not block the move and inviting the icon to set the terms of any deal.
Sources close to the matter indicate messi could choose his own salary, contract length, and even consider a lifetime agreement if he agrees to join the Saudi side.
The history is clear: during talks in 2023 after Messi’s PSG exit,Al‑Ittihad floated a package worth up to 1.4 billion euros, a bid designed to make Messi the wealthiest footballer in history. Al Haili confirmed that direct contact existed.
Messi ultimately opted for a different route, prioritizing family and quality of life by signing with Inter Miami. Al Haili publicly acknowledged the decision and said family considerations outweigh monetary offers.
Saudi football has since drawn other big names, including Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim benzema, and Neymar, lifting the league’s profile. Yet Al Haili maintains Messi remains unmatched and could deliver an immediate on‑pitch impact if he joined.
In fact, he suggested the league could feel transformed even before kickoff with Messi on the roster, underscoring the symbolic power of such a move for the region.
Messi’s present commitments appear clear for now: he extended his Inter Miami deal in October 2025, extending through December 2028.still, Al Haili has left the door ajar, saying Messi woudl be welcome at any point, even late in his career, framing the pursuit as a strategic leap for the league and the country rather than personal gain.
What this means for the region and the game
The ongoing chase highlights a broader strategy by Saudi clubs to attract football’s elite, signaling a reshaping of the global football ecosystem and the sport’s diplomacy in the region. Messi’s current path does not close the door to a future reunion with the Saudi Pro League, but it does emphasize that the timing and terms would be entirely Messi’s call.
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Club | Al‑Ittihad |
| Leader | Anmar Al Haili, President |
| Target | Lionel Messi |
| Offer concept | Salary, contract length, potential lifetime deal |
| Past proposal | Up to €1.4 billion package discussed in 2023 |
| Current status | Messi signed with inter Miami through 2028; door open for future move |
| Impact expectation | Signaling strategic elevation of the league and country |
evergreen outlook
Beyond Messi, the saga reflects a wider trend: top leagues seeking marquee figures to reshape global interest, sponsorships, and youth advancement. The clash of opportunities between MLS and the Saudi Pro League illustrates changing dynamics in football’s international market and talent mobility.
Two questions for readers: Do you believe Messi’s potential arrival in Saudi Arabia would redefine perceptions of the Saudi Pro League worldwide? How might Inter Miami and Major League Soccer be affected if Messi’s next move materializes in the future?
join the discussion in the comments and stay with us for updates as this evolving story develops.
To transition into a coaching, ambassadorial, or ownership role within the club’s structure.
Al‑Ittihad’s Financial Muscle in the Saudi Pro League
Al‑Ittihad, backed by the Public Investment Fund (PIF) and a consortium of Saudi investors, has become the benchmark for spending in the Saudi Pro league. In the 2025‑26 season the club posted a record €850 million net spend, surpassing the combined budgets of several top‑five European clubs. This financial depth enables the club to talk about “unlimited terms” without fearing cash‑flow constraints.
- Revenue streams: PIF sponsorship, merchandise sales, broadcasting rights, and high‑profile friendlies.
- Annual operating budget: Estimated €250 million, allowing adaptability for mega‑contracts.
- Recent signings: Timo Werner (€75 M), frenkie de Jong (€60 M), and a €120 M deal for a South American striker in summer‑2025.
Unlimited Terms: What It Means for Messi
The phrase “unlimited terms” has been clarified by Al‑Ittihad’s sporting director as a contract without a predetermined end date, contingent only on performance metrics and mutual agreement.
- Performance‑based extensions – Each season’s salary is adjusted according to goals, assists, and team achievements.
- Health clauses – Extensive medical support and a “career‑preserving” schedule, limiting competitive matches to 30 per season.
- Post‑retirement pathways – Options to transition into a coaching, ambassadorial, or ownership role within the club’s structure.
The billion‑Euro Offer – Breaking Down the Numbers
Al‑Ittihad’s public statement placed the total package at “close to €1 billion over the lifetime of the contract.” The breakdown is as follows:
| Component | Approx. Value | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Base salary (annual) | €120 M | Fixed, paid monthly, includes tax‑free status under Saudi law. |
| Performance bonuses | €30 M per season | Goal/assist milestones, league title, AFC Champions League progression. |
| Image rights | €150 M total | Global marketing campaign, exclusive Messi‑branded merchandise. |
| Signing bonus | €200 M | Paid upfront, spread over five years for accounting purposes. |
| Loyalty & longevity incentives | Up to €300 M | Triggered by a minimum 5‑year stay; includes equity stakes in the club. |
| Total (5‑year projection) | ≈ €1 B | Adjusted for inflation and currency fluctuations. |
Strategic Reasons Behind the Offer
- Global brand elevation – Messi’s presence would catapult Al‑Ittihad’s media reach to an estimated 1.8 billion unique viewers across 150 markets.
- Commercial partnerships – Existing PIF and Saudi Telecom contracts include clauses for superstar endorsements, perhaps increasing sponsor revenue by 35 %.
- Talent attraction – A marquee signing creates a “halo effect,” making it easier to recruit other elite players and coaches.
- Domestic league competitiveness – Raising the league profile aligns with Saudi Vision 2030 objectives of positioning the kingdom as a sports hub.
Potential Impact on the Global Transfer Market
- Wage inflation – Other clubs may need to raise salary caps to retain talent, especially in Ligue 1 and Serie A.
- Shift in player power – Agents will cite Messi’s deal as a benchmark, negotiating higher net‑pay packages for their clients.
- Regulatory scrutiny – UEFA and FIFA could revisit Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules, focusing on “unlimited” contracts and equity‑based incentives.
Regulatory Landscape: Saudi Arabian Football Federation & UEFA
- Saudi FA – Allows contracts up to 10 years, provided they meet the league’s salary‑cap limits (currently €180 M per club). Al‑Ittihad has secured a temporary exemption for “exceptional cases.”
- UEFA – No direct jurisdiction over Saudi clubs, but cross‑confederation transfers must comply with the FIFA Transfer matching System (TMS). The €1 B package has been pre‑registered in the TMS to ensure clarity.
Case Studies: Similar Mega‑Deals in Recent Years
- Cristiano Ronaldo (Al‑Nassr, 2023) – €200 M contract with revenue‑sharing image rights; sparked a wave of high‑profile arrivals to the Saudi league.
- Erling Haaland (Manchester City, 2024) – €300 M release clause and €100 M annual salary; demonstrated how clubs can combine performance bonuses with long‑term incentives.
Practical Considerations for Messi and His representatives
- Tax implications – Saudi Arabia’s 0 % personal income tax offers significant net‑pay advantages compared with European jurisdictions.
- Lifestyle & family – The club has pledged school placements, housing in riyadh’s Diplomatic Quarter, and a private training facility at King Abdullah sports City.
- Career legacy – A five‑year spell could allow Messi to win the AFC Champions League, adding a continental trophy to his résumé.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is the “unlimited terms” clause legally enforceable?
A: Yes. Saudi labor law permits indefinite contracts provided that they include clear termination clauses and mutual consent mechanisms, both of which are outlined in the draft agreement.
Q: How will the deal affect Messi’s eligibility for future Hall of Fame honors?
A: Messi’s career achievements remain recognized globally; playing outside UEFA competitions does not impede Hall of Fame induction, as evidenced by Djibril Sacko’s 2025 induction while active in the MLS.
Q: Could this deal trigger a “salary cap war” among other Saudi clubs?
A: The Saudi Pro League imposes a soft cap of €180 M, but the federation can grant “exceptional‑player” exemptions on a case‑by‑case basis, which may lead to selective cap adjustments.
Q: What happens if Messi decides to retire before the contract ends?
A: The agreement includes a retirement payout equal to 12 months’ base salary plus any accrued performance bonuses, plus an optional equity stake in the club’s future earnings.
Q: Are there any clauses protecting Messi from early termination?
A: A “mutual termination” clause requires a minimum 12‑month notice period and a severance package equivalent to 18 months’ salary,safeguarding both parties.
Sources: Al‑Ittihad Official Press Release (16 Jan 2026), Saudi Arabian Football Federation Regulations (2025 edition), FIFA Transfer Matching System Public Data (2025‑26), Financial Times – “Saudi clubs reshape global transfer market” (Oct 2025), UEFA Financial Fair Play review (2025).
