Lionel Messi revealed he considered the possibility of joining Cristiano Ronaldo in a move to Saudi Arabia last summer.
The 2022 World Cup hero was a free agent after his contract at Paris Saint-Germain expired.
The 36-year-old Argentine had numerous options available to him, including the opportunity to sign a lucrative deal with a Saudi Pro League team.
Messi was also interested in returning to Barcelona, where he holds the record for the most goals and appearances in over 17 years.
However, when the reunion with Barca fell through, he had to weigh his choices, one of which was joining the Saudi Pro League, which has signed numerous high-profile players in the last couple of months.
He revealed in an interview with TIME Magazine, saying: "I seriously considered joining the Saudi league."
"I am familiar with the country and they have developed a competitive league that has the potential to become a prominent force in the future."
"As the country's tourism ambassador, it was an appealing destination for me, especially because I have enjoyed my previous visits and have witnessed the growth of football in the country. Saudi Arabia and the MLS were both intriguing options for me."
The Saudi league would have been a showpiece event if both Ronaldo and Messi graced it, but ultimately, the Qatar World Cup winner chose to join Inter Miami in the MLS.
In the past year, numerous star players, including Jordan Henderson and Sadio Mane, have also moved to the Middle East to play for clubs like Al-Ettifaq and Al Nassr.
The five-time Ballon d'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo who has been Messi's contender in the greatest of all-time debate, has also made a move to the region.
Lionel Messi has been absent from Miami's crucial matches due to injury.
He will now be back to club action as he was recently spotted playing for Argentina during the 2026 World Cup qualifying matches, including a 1-0 victory over Brazil.
The 2022 World Cup hero was a free agent after his contract at Paris Saint-Germain expired.
The 36-year-old Argentine had numerous options available to him, including the opportunity to sign a lucrative deal with a Saudi Pro League team.
Messi was also interested in returning to Barcelona, where he holds the record for the most goals and appearances in over 17 years.
However, when the reunion with Barca fell through, he had to weigh his choices, one of which was joining the Saudi Pro League, which has signed numerous high-profile players in the last couple of months.
He revealed in an interview with TIME Magazine, saying: "I seriously considered joining the Saudi league."
"I am familiar with the country and they have developed a competitive league that has the potential to become a prominent force in the future."
"As the country's tourism ambassador, it was an appealing destination for me, especially because I have enjoyed my previous visits and have witnessed the growth of football in the country. Saudi Arabia and the MLS were both intriguing options for me."
The Saudi league would have been a showpiece event if both Ronaldo and Messi graced it, but ultimately, the Qatar World Cup winner chose to join Inter Miami in the MLS.
In the past year, numerous star players, including Jordan Henderson and Sadio Mane, have also moved to the Middle East to play for clubs like Al-Ettifaq and Al Nassr.
The five-time Ballon d'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo who has been Messi's contender in the greatest of all-time debate, has also made a move to the region.
What's next?
Since joining the American side, Messi has scored 11 goals in just 14 appearances and helped the club win the Leagues Cup by defeating Nashville on penalties in the final.Lionel Messi has been absent from Miami's crucial matches due to injury.
He will now be back to club action as he was recently spotted playing for Argentina during the 2026 World Cup qualifying matches, including a 1-0 victory over Brazil.