“We Presented Him With an Offer of €1.4 Billion, but the Player Refused Because His Family Wanted America.” Al Hilal’s President Speaks on Lionel Messi

Al Hilal President Anmar Al Haili has revealed that World Cup winner and eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi turned down a mouthwatering deal to join the Saudi Pro League side and signed for Inter Miami in the MLS.

In an interview, Al Haili said, “We presented him with an offer of €1.4 billion, but the player refused because his family wanted America.” He went on to speak on the transfer offer, noting that he did not hesitate to refuse because he valued his family more than he did the money.

In the MLS, Lionel Messi has thrived, having won the MLS League Cup and currently captaining his side to the top of the Eastern Conference table. The Argentine has also been discussing the end of his career and cites Inter Miami as his last club.

Since being turned down by Lionel Messi, Al Hilal made several shrewd signings to build a well-rounded team that went on to lift three domestic trophies in the just-ended 2023-24 season. They managed to do that, even without the services of their high-profile signing, Neymar, who missed the season through injury.

The €1.4 billion offer for Lionel Messi is a clear indication of Al Hilal and the Saudi Pro League’s financial muscle. It will be intriguing to see how they utilize this strength during this summer’s transfer window, with top talents like Kevin De Bruyne and Mohamed Salah on their shopping list.