Saudi Arabia Are ‘Preparing A Shock Lionel Messi Winter Loan Transfer’ Months After They Missed Out on the Argentinian on a £350m-a-year with Al Hilal
Saudi Arabia are looking to make a stunning swoop for Argentinian and Inter Miami superstar Lionel Messi on Loan.
According to reporter Rudy Galetti, a move to the Saudi Pro League is a distinct possibility for Messi as the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund looks to make their dream of having the former Barcelona player play in the league.
The rumors of a Lionel Messi move to the Saudi Pro League have gathered pace after Messi’s Inter Miami were knocked out of the MLS Playoffs. Inter Miami lost 0-1 at the DRV PNK Stadium against FC Cincinnati, in a shocking result that is likely to have reverberation across the world of football.
Messi only moved to Inter Miami this summer after leaving Paris Saint-Germain. Incidentally, he was heavily linked with a move to the SPL to join Cristiano Ronaldo and other household names moving to the Middle East, like Benzema, Neymar, Firmino, Mane, and Jordan Henderson.
The snub by Messi in the summer does not look to have deterred the power brokers at the Saudi Project. Their intention of landing one of the biggest names in world football over the last decade remains strong, highlighted by the rumors of a potential loan move now that Inter Miami are out of the MLS playoffs.
With the regular 2023 MLS season finishing later this month and the new campaign not starting until next February, Messi could have up to four months out of action. This scenario makes a loan move for the World Cup winner plausible.
If a move to the Saudi Pro League materializes, the identity of the club he will join, albeit temporarily, is not clear at this point.
Several SPL clubs could try to get Messi’s signature. However, Saudi Arabia are likely to get competition from one of Messi’s former clubs, Barcelona. Xavi Hernandez’s Catalan club are engaged in defending their La Liga title against a rejuvenated Real Madrid.
The entry of the Spanish giants into the debate might be a game-changer for Lionel Messi. His storied career is primarily linked to the Catalans. Messi is a Barcelona fan and has prioritized going back several times before a move has failed to materialize.
The competition for Lionel Messi’s signature in the winter window is a sign of his strong star power and footballing ability. The Argentinian has shown in MLS that he still has the hunger and ability to play football at a high level.
Messi’s natural talent and physical fitness assure several clubs in the Saudi Pro League and Barcelona that he is still at the height of his powers and can do a job for them in a competitive setting.
David Beckham’s Inter Miami will have the final say, alongside Lionel Messi and his entourage, about a potential move away on loan.
For the Saudi Pro League, this is another chance to get one of the biggest football names to add to the already shining star power of Cristiano Ronaldo and other mega stars they have acquired in the summer.
If a deal for Messi is sealed, it will be the icing on the Saudi Project cake.
