A €1.5 billion Saudi bid vs Messi’s family‑first move to Miami

While Al‑Ittihad of Saudi Arabia unveiled a record‑breaking €1.5 billion proposal to lure Lionel Messi after his PSG spell, the Argentine star chose a completely different path, prioritising his family’s desire to settle in Miami instead of entertaining the unprecedented sum.

The financial details emerged publicly, confirming that the Saudi club’s offer is the largest ever recorded in sport history.

Al‑Ittihad’s chief executive Anmar Al Haili announced the stratospheric proposal, stating it was intended to convince Messi after his contract with PSG ended, just before the player’s eventual move to the United States.

The amount placed on the table was €1.5 billion (approximately 2.3 billion pesos), a figure that would shatter any previous football contract and far exceed deals signed by other international stars in the region.

Messi rejected the offer almost instantly, a reaction that surprised Al Haili, who noted that the world‑cup‑winning captain did not even begin negotiations or consult his inner circle.

According to reports, Messi’s decision was driven by the wellbeing of his wife Antonela Roccuzzo and their three children – Thiago, Mateo and Ciro – whose preference was to live in Miami rather than relocate to Saudi Arabia.

That choice effectively closed the door on a Saudi league move and accelerated his transfer to Inter Miami, the MLS side owned by David Beckham.

Inter Miami, now led by Messi, unveiled its third kit of the season, a design that brings back a white base not seen since 2022, complemented by pink, mint and black accents and the retro club crest.

The new jersey also features the main sponsor Royal Caribbean in pink lettering, and the three‑stripe Adidas detailing on the sleeves, highlighting the club’s refreshed visual identity.