Lionel Messi might be on the move again and this time, it's Saudi Arabia calling.
According to multiple reports, including French journalist Loïc Tanzi of L’Équipe and Argentine reporter Esteban Edul from ESPN Argentina, Messi has started early discussions with Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli about a possible transfer in December when his Inter Miami contract is set to expire.
Some fans didn’t see this coming at all. But others? They’ll tell you it’s been brewing for a while like something that’s just been waiting to come out.
The Situation at Inter Miami
Messi joined Inter Miami last summer after leaving PSG, and honestly, the whole league felt different overnight. Tickets vanished, every game felt like an event, and suddenly everyone even people who don’t usually watch MLS was tuning in.
He didn’t just show up to collect a paycheck either. He actually helped them win the Leagues Cup, which, funnily enough, was the club’s first-ever trophy.
Fast forward a year, though, and that buzz? It’s cooled off a bit.
Messi’s still doing his thing on the pitch for the most part, but you can kind of tell he’s starting to think beyond just Miami probably has one eye on the World Cup in 2026.
Fair enough… he’s 37, and this is likely his last performance. And at this age, he’s not going to have many more chances to prepare at the top level.
According to ESPN Argentina, Esteban Edul spoke directly with people close to the Messi camp. He said, “Leo Messi and his family told me on Friday that he is considering playing somewhere else for the six months leading up to the World Cup.”
Edul also added that while Messi was originally expected to stay in Miami through the 2026 World Cup, those plans are now “on hold.”
So where could he go? Europe? Maybe. But Saudi Arabia seems to be making the strongest push.
Saudi Arabia’s Ongoing Messi Pursuit
Saudi Arabia’s interest in Messi didn’t just start this week. They were in the race back in 2023 when he left PSG, hoping to bring him to the same league that had just signed Cristiano Ronaldo.
At the time, Messi turned them down and picked Miami, reportedly for lifestyle reasons and the chance to build something new in the United States. But things might be different now.
Loïc Tanzi reported this week that Al-Ahli have opened talks with Messi’s team. The club, backed by the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), sees Messi as the final piece in its push to dominate both Asian and global football.
Tanzi wrote: “It’s no secret that Saudi Arabia attempted to lure Lionel Messi in the summer of 2023. Two years later, the local league hasn’t given up hope.
Al-Ahli leaders have been trying to convince the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner for several weeks.”
There aren't any exact numbers out yet, but let’s be real if they pulled in Ronaldo, Benzema, and Neymar with the kind of deals they did, you can imagine the kind of money they’re putting on the table for Messi.
Why Would Messi Leave?
At first glance, leaving Inter Miami just two years into a widely celebrated move might seem odd. But look a little closer, and there are a few reasons why it makes sense.
For starters, there’s the issue of competitive rhythm. Even with MLS growing in popularity, it’s still not quite at the level of Europe’s top leagues or even the Saudi Pro League, which has been attracting more high-profile names lately.
If Messi wants to stay match-sharp before his final World Cup, a short-term spell in a more intense setting could help.
Then there’s the money side. Let’s be real when clubs throw massive numbers at you, you listen. Saudi Arabia has been offering wild sums to boost its football reputation.
With the 2034 World Cup on the horizon, adding Messi even for a few months would be a massive win for them.
And finally, Messi’s always been one to embrace change. From Argentina to Barcelona, to Paris, then to Miami he's never been afraid to write new chapters. One more move, if it feels right to him, wouldn't be a shock.
What’s Inter Miami Saying?
Unsurprisingly, Inter Miami don’t want to lose him even for a few months.
Messi hasn’t just helped on the pitch; he’s transformed the entire brand. TV numbers, shirt sales, sponsorships all of it has skyrocketed since he arrived.
Letting him go, even just for a bit would hurt no doubt about it. Especially with next season looking like it’ll be even tougher.
Still, people around the club seem to get it. Messi’s gotta do what feels right for him. Head coach Javier Mascherano, who shared the pitch with Messi for Argentina, spoke after their 4–1 win against Montreal:
“We have to understand that Leo is happiest when he’s playing football. Every time he’s fit, he’s going to want to play and we’re going to let him. “He just changes everything when he’s out there,” Mascherano said. “When Leo’s fit, he wants to play always has. And of course, we’re gonna let him. He gives us something no one else can.”
He also mentioned the tough run of fixtures ahead: “We’ve got back-to-back games coming up, so we’re going to need everyone ready. Whoever steps in has to be ready to go.” Whoever gets the chance has to be prepared.”
It sounds like a coach trying to strike a balance keeping his star motivated, while managing the squad carefully.
What Next?
Here’s what we know so far:
Messi’s current deal with Inter Miami runs through December 2025, but there’s reportedly an early exit option.
Al-Ahli have already made their approach, and discussions are happening.
And Messi is seriously thinking about preparing for the 2026 World Cup somewhere else possibly for just half a season.
This is still unfolding. But whatever happens, it looks like Messi is thinking long-term about how to end his playing days on a high.
A short break from Miami wouldn't mean the end just a way to stay sharp before one final international run.
Could Messi Return to Barcelona?
Most of the fans are still hoping he somehow finds his way back to Camp Nou. But let’s be honest making that happen won’t be easy. Barcelona is still under financial strain, and La Liga’s salary rules make even a six-month comeback complicated.
There hasn’t been any real movement or signals from either side that talks are happening. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia already has the money, the interest, and the plan in motion.
Still, you never know with Messi. He’s pulled a few surprises before.
Fan Reactions
Fans are definitely split. Twitter’s already diverged. Some fans love the idea of Messi linking up with Mahrez, Firmino, and Mendy at Al-Ahli. Others think it’s a step down especially if he’s still trying to stay sharp for one last World Cup run.
One fan posted: “I get the World Cup prep thing, but surely there are better options than Saudi. Maybe a loan back to Barca?”
Another said: “Messi in Saudi is huge for the league. It’s not about him needing money it’s about writing one more chapter.”
Wanderlustsport Verdict
This isn’t just some loose rumour. It’s gaining real traction now.
Messi has earned the right to make whatever move feels right. Whether that’s staying in Miami, taking a Saudi offer, or throwing everyone off with something totally unexpected one thing’s for sure: he’s not done yet.
The 2026 World Cup could be the final page of his playing career. Where he spends the months before that could shape the whole story.
And no matter where he goes, the football world will be watching.
What’s your take on this? Should Messi stay in Miami, or take a short swing through Saudi Arabia before the big tournament? Let us know below.