He rejected Ôé¼1.4 billion - Al Ittihad president ready to give Lionel Messi blank cheque to join Saudi Pro League

Al Ittihad's president, Anmar Al Haili, recently revealed that Lionel Messi rejected a Ôé¼1.4 billion offer from them to play in the Saudi Pro League; his family preferred to live in the United States of America.
What he said
In a recent interview, the Tigers' executive revealed that they made a serious effort to sign Messi, but the Argentine politely declined. He added that they have yet to give up on the ambition and that he is willing to offer Messi a blank cheque to convince him.

"If Messi agrees to sign with Al-Ittihad, I would offer him a contract where he can write any amount of money he wants, for any duration he chooses, even for life,ÔÇØ he said, per Albiceleste Talk.

"Having Messi here in Saudi Arabia wearing Al-Ittihad's shirt, the financial profit means nothing to me. I want Messi because I would have the greatest player in football history.

"Yes, I contacted him before, when his contract with Paris ended, and I offered him Ôé¼1.4 billion per year, but he refused because his family preferred the United States. I respect that, and Al-Ittihad's door will always be open to him; he can come whenever he wants.ÔÇØ
Messi and Saudi interest
Saudi Pro League clubs have pursued Lionel Messi since he left Paris Saint-Germain in 2023, with Al Hilal reportedly prepared to offer the largest football contract ever proposed. However, Messi turned it down because he and his family preferred life in the United States and joining Inter Miami in Major League Soccer.

Messi instead signed for Inter Miami in July 2023, where he has thrived, helping the club win the 2023 Leagues Cup, 2024 Supporters' Shield and 2025 MLS Cup, before extending his contract through 2028.

Despite continued links and speculation, including a reported short-term proposal for Messi to play in the Saudi Pro League during the MLS off-season ahead of the 2026 World Cup, the former Barcelona star remains focused on advancing the Herons' agenda.