Lionel Messi has engaged in talks with a ‘shock’ club as his future with Inter Miami continues to be up in the air. Having joined the Florida-based team in 2023, the Barcelona legend has helped raise the stature of football in the United States over the last couple of years and he’s made a pretty penny doing so.

The greatest player of all time transformed Inter Miami from one of the worst teams in MLS to one of the best and guided them to their first ever trophy last season. Still, the club have taken a significant step backwards on the pitch this time around and following some disappointing results in the league and the Club World Cup, speculation about his future began to circulate online.

Reports have suggested that Messi is open to the idea of leaving Miami for a stronger team as he prepares for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Now, it’s been revealed that he’s in talks with a surprising side and may be on his way there in the near future.

Lionel Messi Might Be Heading to the Saudi Pro League

He’s currently talking to Al-Ahli

Lionel Messi

With his contract at Inter Miami set to expire in December, Messi has been thinking about his future and is open to the possibility of leaving the club in preparation for the World Cup next summer. One team that he’s been talking to, as reported by French publication, L’Equipe.

According to the report, Messi could join up with the Saudi Pro League side once his contract expires later this year and it could see a reunion on the pitch between the Argentine and his greatest rival, Cristiano Ronaldo. The latter has been plying his trade in Saudi Arabia for nearly three years now, having joined Al-Nassr after he left Manchester United in late 2022.

He’s been a hit in the country, scoring goals for fun. He has yet to bring any silverware back to the club, though, and his chances would only get worse if Messi were to move to Saudi Arabia. If he was to join Al-Ahli, he’d team up with the likes of Riyad Mahrez, Roberto Firmino and Ivan Toney, making the club one of the favourites to win the Saudi Pro League.