Even an offer worth £1.4 billion could not persuade Lionel Messi to follow Cristiano Ronaldo to Saudi Arabia.
The Argentine legend reportedly turned down a record-breaking deal from Al-Ittihad, choosing family stability over financial fortune.
According to Spanish newspaper Marca, the Saudi club made an unprecedented approach as part of their continued pursuit of Messi, hoping to reunite him with the league’s growing list of global stars.
But despite the magnitude of the offer, Messi refused, a decision that once again highlighted his priorities away from football’s financial race.
Lionel Messi rejected a £1.4 billion offer for family reasons
The proposal would have made Messi the highest-paid player in history, surpassing Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr contract, yet he opted to remain in the United States with Inter Miami.
Speaking to Marca, Al-Ittihad’s president revealed: “I offered him 1.4 billion euros. He rejected such a high offer for the sake of his family, despite having convinced them.
“However, he did not hesitate to refuse, because family is more important than money. I respect him.”
The statement reflected Messi’s long-standing stance on stability and family life over professional gain. Since joining Inter Miami in 2023, the World Cup winner has repeatedly said that lifestyle, education for his children, and long-term comfort played a decisive role in his decision to remain in the United States.
Despite the Saudi Pro League’s aggressive investment strategy, Messi’s refusal represented a symbolic win for personal values, a choice that deepened his contrast with Ronaldo’s career path.
Al-Ittihad is still open to a lifetime deal for Lionel Messi
The Al-Ittihad president added: “If Messi agrees to sign with Al-Ittihad, I would offer him a contract where he could earn as much as he wants, for as long as he wants, even for a lifetime. Al-Ittihad will always welcome him back, he can come whenever he wants.”
The remark underlined the club’s continued admiration for Messi, even after his rejection. The Saudi side, determined to attract the world’s top names, sees Messi’s global influence as vital to the league’s international ambitions.
In an era defined by record-breaking transfers and colossal wages, Messi’s stance serves as a reminder that not every legacy is built on contracts.
Some, like his, are grounded in conviction and the belief that some things truly are priceless.
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