Lionel Messi vs. Cristiano Ronaldo 2.0? Inter Miami star offered historic deal as Saudi Pro League aims to reignite rivalry
As the next generation of soccer stars captures the spotlight, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo remain central figures in the global game. Despite nearing the twilight of their legendary careers, both continue to deliver stellar performances—Messi in MLS with Inter Miami, and Ronaldo in the Saudi Pro League. But now, with a fresh wave of speculation swirling, soccer fans may be treated to a familiar spectacle once more.
A dramatic twist could soon unfold in Messi’s storied journey. According to reports from the Kingdom, a record-breaking offer is being readied by a club in Saudi Arabia. The deal would make the Argentine the highest-paid player in history, even surpassing Cristiano Ronaldo’s current deal with Al-Nassr. While the identity of the club has not been officially confirmed, sources widely point to Al-Hilal as the main contender in this high-stakes pursuit.
Tempting bid that could shift global soccer
Messi is currently under contract with Inter Miami until December 2025, but uncertainty surrounds his long-term future. Despite registering 44 goals and 21 assists in 54 appearances since arriving in the United States in 2023, rumors of growing discontent in Miami have emerged.
“Messi was able to refuse such a huge offer for the sake of his family,” Al-Ittihad president Anmar Al Haili said, recalling a previous $1.6 billion offer from the Saudi club that Messi declined in 2023. “We respect that — family is more important than money.”
Now, however, the Saudi vision is even broader. With the 2034 FIFA World Cup set to be hosted in Saudi Arabia, the league has ramped up its ambition to become a true global powerhouse. Landing Messi is seen as the crown jewel in that effort.
According to journalist Khalid Alzahrani, discussions between Messi’s camp and the Saudi Pro League’s elite recruitment committee have reopened, with the proposed contract expected to outshine even Ronaldo’s monumental deal.
Inter Miami faces the heat
While the 37-year-old has remained silent publicly regarding the new offer, Saudi media reports suggest the chance of him remaining in Miami beyond 2025 is now less than 50%. A lack of clarity around a potential contract renewal has only added fuel to the speculation.
In the current season, Messi has scored 10 goals and provided 3 assists in 15 appearances for the Herons across all competitions. Yet, despite his respectable form, the buzz off the pitch is beginning to eclipse the action on it.
Saudi insiders claim the league’s recruitment program, supported by both private and governmental entities, has restarted the process of signing Messi. Their goal isn’t just to enhance domestic soccer — it’s to create a stage where Messi and Ronaldo could once again clash, this time on Arabian soil.
If the move materializes, soccer fans would be treated to the ultimate encore: Messi vs. Ronaldo in the same league, likely in Al-Hilal blue versus Al-Nassr yellow. The storyline is ready-made: the two greatest players of their generation, now in the Middle East, facing off one more time in a league rising in prominence and political importance.