Cristiano Ronaldo has become one of Saudi Arabia's biggest soccer ambassadors since his signing from Al Nassr in 2023, with the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF) having been instrumental in getting the Portuguese top scorer to move from European soccer to promote the World Cup in Saudi Arabia.
However, one of the names that has always circulated in the country that will host the FIFA World Cup in 2034 is Lionel Messi. The Argentine has always prioritized the MLS and his personal life in Florida since leaving soccer in Europe, but Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) doesn't seem to have given up on having both players in its league.
The latest reports indicate that no agreement has yet been reached between Lionel Messi and Inter Miami over an extension. It is worth noting that the contract with South Florida will expire at the end of the 2025 season and that there are rumors that a 12-month extension option will be triggered, but negotiations have not taken place.
Considering the current situation, Lionel Messi will be able to sign with a new club as a free agent from July 1, leaving Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) more confident in trying to convince the reigning world champion to join local soccer, with soundings out to the player's representatives.
Is Inter Miami in real danger of losing Messi?
Messi has won trophies and the MVP award in the United States, as well as becoming the MLS's biggest ambassador since his arrival at Inter MIami. However, the Argentine had the option to join Saudi soccer and already said in an interview that the country has "a very powerful competition" when he was leaving PSG.
This factor might make Inter Miami fans very worried, but considering that Messi is very much at home in the United States, it's unlikely that we'll see the Argentine leaving the MLS with only a year left before a FIFA World Cup in the States.