Lionel Messi famously rejected a staggering €1.4 billion offer from Saudi Pro League club Al Ittihad to join Inter Miami in 2023. Now, in a fresh disclosure that underscores the scale of Saudi Arabia’s ambition, club president Anmar Al Haili has revealed the door isn’t just open, it’s essentially a blank cheque.
‘Family is more important than money’
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner was offered the record-breaking deal when he became a free agent after leaving Paris Saint-Germain. Despite the scale of the contract, Messi’s priorities remained elsewhere.
“I contacted him when his contract with PSG ended. I offered him €1.4 billion,” Al Haili said in recent remarks as quoted by Marca. “He rejected such a big offer for the sake of his family. Family is more important than money.”
Al Haili admitted his surprise at the refusal, noting that while the club had even convinced Messi’s inner circle, the player himself remained unwavering. “It is surprising that a player could refuse such a huge offer for the sake of his family. I respect this.”
The open offer: A lifetime invitation
Far from giving up, Al Haili has raised the stakes for the future. He confirmed that if Messi ever changes his mind, the financial terms will be entirely up to him.
“If Messi agrees to sign with us, I would offer him a contract in which he could earn the amount he wanted,” Al Haili stated, hinting that he was practically ready to give Messi a blank cheque. “Regarding the duration, it could even be for life. Al Ittihad will always welcome him; he can come whenever he wants.”
Why the Saudi dream remains deferred
Landing Messi alongside Cristiano Ronaldo remains the ultimate goal for the Saudi Pro League’s global expansion. While Ronaldo’s move to Al Nassr marked a shift in the global game, Messi’s choice of Miami was a move for legacy and lifestyle.
Messi recently extended his stay in the MLS through 2028, but Al Haili’s latest “blank cheque” comments ensure that as long as Messi is playing, the Saudi chapter of his story is never truly closed.