Lionel Messi’s transfer to Inter Miami might have reshaped soccer in the US, however contemporary revelations from Saudi Arabia have reopened one of many sport’s most astonishing “what if” tales. Al Ittihad president Anmar Al Haili has disclosed that the Argentine legend turned down a mind-boggling supply value round 1.4 billion euros, selecting household over fortune on the peak of worldwide curiosity in his signature.Go Past The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Since Messi’s departure from Paris Saint-Germain, Saudi Professional League golf equipment have relentlessly pursued the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner. Al Ittihad had been on the forefront of that chase, and Al Haili has now confirmed simply how far they had been keen to go. Based on him, Messi was provided 1.4 billion euros per 12 months, a determine that will have shattered all present wage information in soccer.

“I contacted him when his contract with PSG ended. I provided him 1.4 billion euros,” Al Haili mentioned. “He rejected such a giant supply for the sake of his household. Household is extra essential than cash.”The Saudi membership chief insisted that monetary concerns had been secondary to him. “Monetary acquire means nothing to me; I would like Messi as a result of he’s the perfect participant in historical past,” he mentioned, including that Al Ittihad would nonetheless welcome Messi with open arms. “He can come every time he needs. I might supply him no matter wage he needs — even a lifetime contract.”

Messi finally selected to maneuver to Inter Miami in 2023, prioritising life in the US together with his household. He has since signed an extension that may hold him on the MLS membership till 2028.Saudi Arabia’s ambitions, nevertheless, stay undiminished. The league already boasts Cristiano Ronaldo at Al Nassr on one of many richest contracts in sports activities historical past, full with bonuses, ambassadorial roles and even a reported possession stake.With Ronaldo already on board, Messi’s arrival would have taken the Saudi Professional League’s international enchantment to unprecedented heights.