Saudi Arabia has reportedly declined an offer from global football icon Lionel Messi to play in the Saudi Pro League during the Major League Soccer (MLS) off-season. The revelation came from Abdullah Hammad, CEO of the Mahd Sports Academy, who disclosed the details during a podcast with the Arabic media platform Thmanyah.

According to Hammad, Messi's representatives approached him during the last Club World Cup, proposing a short-term contract that would allow the Argentine superstar to maintain his fitness while the MLS took its nearly four-month break. The intention was for Messi to stay in peak form ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Hammad explained that he relayed the proposal to the Saudi Minister of Sports, who ultimately rejected the offer. The minister emphasized that the Saudi Pro League was not intended to serve as a training or preparation ground for players from other leagues or tournaments. This decision reflects the country's determination to maintain the integrity and competitive spirit of its rapidly growing football scene.

Saudi Arabia has been making significant investments to elevate its domestic football league, attracting world-class players and coaches. However, officials appear intent on ensuring that such moves align with the nation's broader sports vision and long-term goals, rather than short-term publicity deals.

In the podcast, Hammad also compared Messi's cautious approach with Cristiano Ronaldo's bold decision to join Al Nassr in 2022. While Messi remains deeply connected to his former club Barcelona and often sets specific conditions, Ronaldo chose to fully embrace a new challenge in Saudi Arabia.

The revelation underscores Saudi Arabia's evolving strategy — focused not just on acquiring global stars, but on building a sustainable and respected football legacy that contributes meaningfully to the sport's global growth.