Lionel Messi Al-Ahli transfer 2025, As Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami contract approaches its December 2025 expiration, Saudi Pro League club Al-Ahli is making a bold move to secure the Lionel Messi Al-Ahli transfer 2025, aiming to lure the Argentine superstar with a lucrative deal that could rival Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr contract. The 38-year-old, still a global football icon, has transformed Major League Soccer (MLS) with Inter Miami, but Al-Ahli’s “all-out” approach could see him join the Middle East, potentially reigniting his legendary rivalry with Ronaldo.
Lionel Messi Al-Ahli Transfer 2025: Saudi Pro League’s Mammoth Offer
The Lionel Messi Al-Ahli transfer 2025 has emerged as a headline-grabbing prospect, with Al-Ahli, backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), prepared to “do whatever it takes” to sign the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner. The club has initiated contact with Messi’s father and agent, Jorge Messi, offering a contract potentially worth $200 million per season, comparable to Ronaldo’s $204 million annual deal with Al-Nassr. This follows previous Saudi interest, including a €1.4 billion offer from Al-Hilal in 2023, which Messi declined in favor of Miami.
Al-Ahli’s roster, featuring stars like Roberto Firmino, Ivan Toney, and Wesley Teixeira, reflects their ambition to compete with Saudi giants like Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal. The Lionel Messi Al-Ahli transfer 2025 could elevate the club’s global profile, especially with Saudi Arabia hosting the 2034 World Cup. Social media is abuzz, with fans posting hashtags like “#MessiToAhliJeddah” and envisioning Messi in Al-Ahli’s green and white at Jeddah’s King Abdullah Sports City. The Lionel Messi Al-Ahli transfer 2025 represents a strategic move to position Saudi football as a global powerhouse.
Messi’s MLS Journey: Triumphs and Challenges
The Lionel Messi Al-Ahli transfer 2025 speculation contrasts with Messi’s transformative impact at Inter Miami since joining in July 2023. The Argentine has delivered 50 goals and 24 assists in 60 matches, including a brace and an assist in a 4-1 victory over CF Montreal on July 5, 2025 (memory: July 5, 2025). His accolades include the 2023 Leagues Cup, 2024 Supporters’ Shield, and MLS MVP award, making him the face of MLS on Apple TV’s global coverage. Inter Miami’s run to the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Round of 16, highlighted by a 2-1 win over Porto, showcased Messi’s influence, though a 4-0 loss to Paris Saint-Germain exposed MLS’s competitive gap (memory: June 30, 2025).
Despite these achievements, Inter Miami’s sixth-place standing in the Eastern Conference with 32 points after 17 matches has raised questions about their competitiveness. Manager Javier Mascherano and co-owner Jorge Mas are pushing for a contract extension through 2027, potentially worth $20 million annually with MLS Cup bonuses. However, with no deal finalized, the Lionel Messi Al-Ahli transfer 2025 looms as a possibility, especially if Messi seeks a higher competitive level to prepare for the 2026 World Cup.
The Ronaldo Rivalry: A Saudi Showdown
The Lionel Messi Al-Ahli transfer 2025 could reignite football’s greatest rivalry, pitting Messi against Cristiano Ronaldo, who recently extended his Al-Nassr contract until 2027. Ronaldo’s 60 goals in 71 Saudi Pro League matches, including a hat-trick in a 3-0 win over Al-Shabab, underline his dominance (memory: June 29, 2025). Their last competitive clash was a 2023 friendly, with Ronaldo scoring twice in a 5-4 PSG defeat. A move to Al-Ahli would see Messi face Ronaldo in Saudi derbies, a prospect fans are calling a “GOAT showdown.”
Social media posts amplify the excitement, with fans imagining Messi and Ronaldo, who once dominated La Liga with Barcelona and Real Madrid, battling in Jeddah and Riyadh. The Lionel Messi Al-Ahli transfer 2025 would draw unprecedented global attention, leveraging their combined 13 Ballon d’Or awards to boost the Saudi Pro League’s visibility. This rivalry, a fan favorite since their Clásico days, adds a compelling layer to Messi’s potential move.
Saudi Arabia’s Football Vision
The Lionel Messi Al-Ahli transfer 2025 aligns with Saudi Arabia’s goal to transform its football landscape. The PIF, which supports Al-Ahli, Al-Hilal, Al-Ittihad, and Al-Nassr, has attracted stars like Neymar, Karim Benzema, and Sadio Mané, positioning Messi as the ultimate acquisition. Messi’s existing role as a Saudi Tourism Board ambassador since 2022, tied to the 2030 World Cup bid, strengthens his connection to the region. Al-Ahli’s state-of-the-art facilities, including a 45,000-seat stadium, and Jeddah’s vibrant culture offer an appealing destination.
Financially, the Lionel Messi Al-Ahli transfer 2025 could surpass Messi’s $674 million Barcelona contract from 2017, with a signing-on fee and performance incentives. While Messi prioritized family over a $1.6 billion Al-Ittihad offer in 2023, the current proposal may tempt him with a balance of financial rewards and competitive football. Saudi Arabia’s investment in youth academies and global events, like the 2034 World Cup, makes the Lionel Messi Al-Ahli transfer 2025 a strategic fit for both parties.
Inter Miami’s Case to Keep Messi
The Lionel Messi Al-Ahli transfer 2025 faces strong opposition from Inter Miami, who are desperate to retain their talisman. Messi’s family, including wife Antonela Roccuzzo and their three sons, is settled in Florida, with Antonela endorsing brands like Tiffany and Adidas. The upcoming Freedom Park stadium, set to open in 2026, positions Messi as its marquee star. Inter Miami’s leadership, including David Beckham and Jorge Mas, envision Messi leading the club to an MLS Cup, with Mas stating, “Lionel is our future.”
However, a four-match winless streak before the CF Montreal win, coupled with Zlatan Ibrahimović’s critique that “Messi plays with statues,” highlights Miami’s reliance on their star (memory: June 30, 2025). The Lionel Messi Al-Ahli transfer 2025 could appeal if Messi seeks a league with greater intensity, especially after Miami’s Club World Cup struggles against PSG. Extension talks are ongoing, but without a signed deal, Al-Ahli’s offer remains a significant threat.
World Cup 2026: A Key Factor
The Lionel Messi Al-Ahli transfer 2025 could shape Messi’s preparation for his sixth World Cup in 2026, hosted across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. His 104 international goals, including 10 in the 2024–25 UEFA Nations League, make him indispensable for Argentina’s title defense. The Saudi Pro League, with players like Ronaldo, Neymar, and Benzema, offers a higher competitive level than MLS, where Miami’s 4-0 PSG loss exposed defensive weaknesses. A move to Al-Ahli could ensure Messi faces elite opposition, sharpening his form for Argentina’s campaign.
Conversely, staying in North America could aid logistical preparation, with Messi training closer to World Cup venues. Sources note his happiness in Miami’s quieter environment, away from Europe’s media frenzy. The Lionel Messi Al-Ahli transfer 2025 will depend on whether Messi prioritizes competitive intensity or familiarity as he aims to repeat Argentina’s 2022 Qatar triumph.
Fan and Media Excitement
The Lionel Messi Al-Ahli transfer 2025 has sparked a frenzy among fans and media. Social media posts call for a Messi-Ronaldo reunion, with fans dreaming of derbies that echo their Clásico battles. Miami supporters, chanting Messi’s name after the CF Montreal win, hope he stays, while Saudi fans envision him transforming Al-Ahli. Media outlets describe the potential transfer as a “game-changer,” with headlines predicting a “new chapter for the GOAT.” The excitement underscores the global impact of the Lionel Messi Al-Ahli transfer 2025.
What’s Next?
The Lionel Messi Al-Ahli transfer 2025 remains uncertain as Messi focuses on Inter Miami’s MLS campaign, with a match against New England Revolution on July 9, 2025. Al-Ahli’s negotiations with Jorge Messi are ongoing, with a decision expected by August. Argentina’s World Cup qualifiers resume in September, adding pressure to resolve his club future. A return to Barcelona, despite interest from president Joan Laporta, seems unlikely due to past tensions, making Saudi Arabia a leading contender.
Conclusion: A Defining Decision
The Lionel Messi Al-Ahli transfer 2025 could mark a historic shift, uniting Messi and Ronaldo in the Saudi Pro League and rekindling their iconic rivalry. Al-Ahli’s massive offer challenges Messi’s satisfaction in Miami, where he’s achieved glory but faced competitive limits. With the 2026 World Cup looming, a move to Saudi Arabia could ensure Messi is at his peak, benefiting Argentina and thrilling fans. Will Messi take the leap to Al-Ahli? Share your thoughts on the Lionel Messi Al-Ahli transfer 2025 below!
🚨🟢 Asian champions Al Ahli are targeting a move for Lionel Messi.
via [@David_Ornstein]#AlAhli | #AhliCentral pic.twitter.com/DVQyaNjUco— Ahli Central (@AhliCentral1) July 8, 2025
FAQs: Lionel Messi Al-Ahli Transfer 2025
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What is Al-Ahli’s offer for Messi?
Al-Ahli are offering a $200 million-per-season deal to sign Messi in December 2025. -
Why is Messi’s Inter Miami contract uncertain?
His contract expires in December 2025, and no extension has been finalized, allowing foreign clubs to negotiate. -
How would Messi joining Al-Ahli affect his rivalry with Ronaldo?
It would pit Messi against Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr in Saudi Pro League derbies, reviving their Clásico-era battles. -
What has Messi achieved at Inter Miami?
He won the 2023 Leagues Cup, 2024 Supporters’ Shield, and MLS MVP, with 50 goals in 60 games. -
What’s next for Messi’s club future?
He plays New England on July 9, 2025, with a transfer decision expected by August.
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