Saudi sports minister reportedly declined Messi’s proposal to play a four-month spell in the Pro League before 2026 World Cup.

Lionel Messi Saudi offer has reportedly been turned down by the country’s sports minister after the Inter Miami star explored the possibility of a short-term stint in the Saudi Pro League.

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According to Saudi football executive Abdallah Hammad, Messi’s representatives contacted him during the Club World Cup last summer to propose a four-month loan spell in Saudi Arabia.

The 38-year-old Argentine legend was said to be seeking competitive football during the MLS off-season to maintain top form ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

“Messi’s team contacted me during the Club World Cup last summer,” Hammad revealed on a podcast hosted by Saudi media outlet Thmanya.

“He wanted to play in Saudi Arabia during the four-month hiatus of the American league to prepare for the World Cup — similar to what Beckham did when he joined Milan from LA Galaxy.”

However, the proposal was ultimately rejected by Saudi Arabia’s Sports Minister, Prince Abdulaziz Al-Faisal, who reportedly dismissed the idea.

“I submitted the proposal to the minister, but he refused to let Messi come for just four months. He said that the Saudi league would not be a training camp,” Hammad said.

Messi, who recently signed a new three-year contract with Inter Miami that runs until the end of 2028, remains fully committed to the MLS side.

His club’s season concludes in December, with play resuming in the spring — a gap that often sees players take short-term deals abroad to stay fit.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has long been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia, particularly after high-profile transfers of Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar to the region, but the latest development suggests those talks have now been shelved.

Also read: Messi Inspires Argentina as Uruguay, Colombia Qualify

For Messi, the focus remains on maintaining peak fitness with Inter Miami as he continues to lead Argentina’s charge toward another World Cup campaign in 2026.