Saudi Arabia Rejects Short-Term Deal with Lionel Messi Ahead of 2026 World Cup

Saudi Arabia declined an offer to bring Lionel Messi for a short-term stint in the Saudi Pro League before the 2026 World Cup. Abdullah Hammad of Mahd Sport Academy mentioned the proposal, comparing it to David Beckham's loan to AC Milan in 2010.

The Saudi Ministry of Sport pointed out that the Saudi league is not a platform for players to prepare for tournaments. Messi, who has won the Ballon d'Or eight times, is currently with Paris Saint-Germain after leaving Barcelona in 2023.