Messi's Saudi Arabia Move: Could the Final Messi vs Ronaldo Showdown Happen at Al Ahli?

The Saudi Arabian Dream: Al Ahli's Ambitious Pursuit of Messi

The football world is buzzing with excitement as reports emerge that Saudi Pro League champions Al Ahli are actively pursuing Lionel Messi for a potential blockbuster transfer. According to French publication L'Équipe, the AFC Champions League winners have already initiated negotiations with Messi's representatives, with the Argentine superstar's Inter Miami contract set to expire in December 2025. This isn't just another transfer rumor - it represents a seismic shift that could reshape the landscape of world football.

Al Ahli's interest in Messi comes at a perfect time for the Saudi club. Having just secured their first-ever AFC Champions League Elite title with a commanding 2-0 victory over Kawasaki Frontale in May 2025, the club is looking to capitalize on their success by adding the ultimate marquee signing. The Saudi Public Investment Fund-backed club has already demonstrated their ambition by assembling a star-studded squad featuring Roberto Firmino, Riyad Mahrez, Ivan Toney, and Franck Kessié. Adding Messi to this already impressive roster would represent the crown jewel in their collection of world-class talent.

The Final Dance: Setting Up the Ultimate Messi vs Ronaldo Showdown

Perhaps the most tantalizing aspect of Messi's potential move to Al Ahli is the prospect of reigniting his legendary rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo, who has extended his contract with Al Nassr until 2027. The two football icons, who have accumulated 13 Ballon d'Or awards between them, haven't faced each other regularly since their El Clasico days when Messi played for Barcelona and Ronaldo for Real Madrid. Their last significant encounter was in January 2023 when Messi's PSG defeated Ronaldo's Riyadh All-Stars XI 5-4 in an exhibition match.

The Saudi Pro League has been positioning itself as the stage for this potential 'Last Dance' between the two greatest players of their generation. Ronaldo's presence at Al Nassr has already elevated the league's global profile, and Messi's arrival would create an unprecedented level of international attention. Football fans worldwide are already expressing their excitement on social media, with one fan posting: 'Messi vs Ronaldo again in Saudi Arabia? This would break the internet'. The commercial implications are staggering - such a rivalry could generate massive television revenues and sponsorship deals, particularly in Asian markets where both players have enormous followings.

Son Heung-min: The Korean Connection to Al Ahli's Master Plan

Interestingly, Al Ahli's pursuit of Messi runs parallel to their continued interest in Tottenham captain Son Heung-min, creating a fascinating subplot to this transfer saga. Multiple Saudi Pro League clubs, including Al Ahli, Al Nassr, and Al Qadisiyah, are reportedly prepared to offer around €40 million for Son's transfer, with the Korean star potentially earning €30 million per season. The strategic thinking behind targeting Son is clear - his arrival could catalyze lucrative broadcasting rights deals with Korean broadcasters, significantly boosting the league's revenue streams.

Son's situation at Tottenham has become increasingly complex. While he recently led Spurs to their first major trophy in 17 years by winning the UEFA Europa League in 2025, his contract situation remains uncertain. British betting company SkyBet has set the probability of Son transferring to a Saudi club at 69.2%, with reports suggesting he has already rejected an offer from MLS side LAFC. The 33-year-old captain is contractually obligated to participate in Tottenham's upcoming Asian tour, including a fixture in South Korea, which could complicate immediate transfer negotiations.

Inter Miami's Fight to Keep Their Superstar

Despite the Saudi interest, Inter Miami remains determined to retain their biggest asset. Club co-owner Jorge Mas has been vocal about his expectations, stating: 'I fully expect that in the opening of our new stadium in 2026 and the opening of our 2026 MLS season after a trophy-laden 2025 season, that Leo Messi will be our No. 10'. The club is set to move to their new Miami Freedom Park stadium for the 2026 season, and having Messi inaugurate the venue would be a dream scenario for the ownership group.

Messi's impact on Inter Miami has been transformative since his arrival in July 2023. He has led the club to their first-ever trophies, including the 2023 Leagues Cup and the 2024 Supporters' Shield, while setting a record for most points in a single season. In 38 regular-season MLS games, Messi has contributed 31 goals and 22 assists, earning him the 2024 league MVP award. The club's participation in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, where they faced Al Ahly in the opening match, has further elevated their global profile.

The Club World Cup Factor: A Glimpse of What's to Come

The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup provided a fascinating preview of what a potential Messi-Al Ahli connection might look like. In the tournament's opening match, Messi's Inter Miami faced Al Ahly in a goalless draw that showcased both teams' quality. The match, played at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, saw Messi come agonizingly close to scoring with a curling shot that struck the crossbar, while Al Ahly's disciplined defensive display demonstrated why they are Asian champions.

Messi's approach to the Club World Cup revealed his evolving mindset as he enters the twilight of his career. Speaking to FIFA, he admitted: 'It's a beautiful tournament, and I'm excited to play in it. I'm seeing it differently than when I was with other teams, but I'm still just as pumped'. This mature perspective suggests that Messi is carefully considering his next career move, weighing factors beyond just sporting success. The tournament also highlighted the global appeal of such matchups, with massive crowds and international media attention focused on every Messi appearance.

The Financial and Cultural Implications of a Saudi Move

The potential financial package being offered to Messi by Al Ahli remains undisclosed, but sources suggest Saudi Arabia is prepared to 'do whatever it takes' to secure his signature. The Saudi Pro League's strategy of attracting global superstars has already proven successful with signings like Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, and Neymar, and Messi would represent the ultimate coup in this ambitious project. The move would align with Saudi Arabia's broader Vision 2030 initiative and their successful bid to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup.

From a cultural perspective, Messi's arrival in Saudi Arabia would represent a significant moment for football in the Middle East. The league has been working to change perceptions and establish itself as a legitimate destination for world-class talent, not just a retirement home for aging stars. At 38, Messi would still have the quality to compete at the highest level while serving as a global ambassador for Saudi football. The potential for regular clashes with Ronaldo would create a narrative that transcends sport, capturing the imagination of football fans worldwide and potentially inspiring a new generation of players in the region.