Messi Declines €1.4 Bln Saudi Offer, Says Al Haili

Former Al Ittihad president Anmar Al Haili revealed Wednesday the details of the club's offer to the legendary Lionel Messi.

After Al Hilal’s failed attempt to sign him in the summer of 2023, Al Ittihad also headed negotiations to secure the Argentine superstar.

In statements reported by the Spanish newspaper Marca, Al Ittihad's former president, Anmar Al Haili, revealed details of a historic offer made to Messi following the end of his contract with Paris Saint-Germain.

Al-Haili said that if Messi agreed to sign for Al Ittihad, he would grant him a contract that allows him to earn whatever amount he wants, for as long as he wishes, including a lifetime contract.

He siad that he contacted him at the end of his contract with Paris Saint-Germain and offered him €1.4 billion, but he rejected this massive offer for the sake of his family, despite my attempts to convince them.

The Al Ittihad president explained that Messi did not hesitate in turning down the offer, emphasizing that “family comes before money," a decision Al-Haili said he deeply respects. 

He also stressed that the club’s doors will remain open for Messi at any time.

Al-Haili concluded that having Messi in Saudi Arabia wearing Al Ittihad’s shirt would not be as much of a financial gain for him as it would be a sporting and historic achievement.