Lionel Messi Almost Joined Cristiano Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia When He Left PSG
In his “Time Magazine Athlete of The Year” interview, Lionel Messi revealed that the Saudi Pro League was an option he placed under serious consideration. He eventually decided to join the MLS, where his impact has been heavily felt.
When asked about his options then, he noted that the offers included a return to Barcelona, Saudi Arabia, and the MLS, where he eventually ended up. Messi opined, “It is also true that later I was thinking a lot about going to the Saudi league, where I know the country and they have created a very powerful competition that can become an important league in the near future.” This is a significant co-sign from arguably one of the greatest football players in history. The Saudi Pro League’s efforts seem not to have gone unnoticed as he singles out the SPL’s future potential.
Lionel Messi also has a contract with the Saudi Arabian Tourism Authority, where he acts as the brand ambassador. Had the Saudi move come to fruition, the two roles would have created a perfect blend. In his capacity as the ambassador, he said, “As the country’s tourism ambassador, it was a destination that attracted me, especially because I’ve enjoyed everything I have visited, because of how football is growing in the country and because of the effort they are putting into creating a top competition.
Since Cristiano Ronaldo signed for Al Nassr, the Saudi Pro League has grown in leaps and bounds. While there is a lot to be done to improve in critical areas such as match day attendance and youth development, the structures in place ensure a promising future, as acknowledged by the one and only Lionel Messi.
