"He wanted to have some of his friends' players" - Mahd Academy chief explains why Lionel Messi moved to MLS instead of Saudi Arabia in 2023

Mahd Academy CEO Abdullah Hammad has claimed that Lionel Messi moved to the MLS instead of the Saudi Pro League because he wanted some of his friends to join him. Hammad also delved into how Messi contacted his entourage over the summer to play in the SPL and why the Saudi Minister of Sports decided to reject the Argentine's offer.

Days after helping Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) win their 11th Ligue 1 title, Messi opted to depart the club as a free agent on June 3, 2023. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner was heavily linked with a move to Saudi giants Al-Hilal but chose to join Inter Miami on a two-and-a-half-year deal instead on July 15.

While Messi reportedly rejected Al-Hilal due to his family playing a key role in his decision, Hammad stated (via Kooora):

"Messi had some conditions... he wanted some of his friends to be on the team, so he went to America and signed with his team, and we respect his wishes."

Hammad has also claimed that Saudi Arabia turned down Lionel Messi's offer to play in the league on a four-month deal. The latter allegedly wanted to remain in shape during the MLS off-season ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He added:

"But last summer, during the 2025 Club World Cup in Miami, there was a desire for Messi to join the Saudi League, in preparation for the 2026 World Cup finals. There is a 4-month break in the American league, and Messi contacted us to play in the Saudi league during that period, just as happened with (David Beckham), when he played on loan for Milan from Los Angeles Galaxy during that period."

He continued:

"There was pressure from Argentina (on Messi), because these four months would harm him during the World Cup. I presented the matter to the Minister of Sports, but he rejected the idea, and stressed that the Saudi League would not be just a station to prepare for the World Cup."

The 2025 MLS campaign is set to come to a close this December, with the new season expected to resume in February 2026. Lionel Messi has yet to confirm his participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is set to take place between June 11 and July 19 next summer.

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How has Lionel Messi fared for Inter Miami since joining the club in 2023?

Lionel Messi has flourished at Inter Miami since joining the club in the summer of 2023 over Al-Hilal. Alongside his former Barcelona teammates - Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets, and Luis Suarez - the Argentine ace transformed the Herons into a formidable force in the MLS.

Lionel Messi has scored 73 goals and provided 37 assists in 83 appearances across all competitions. He has helped Inter Miami win two trophies to date - the 2023 Leagues Cup and 2024 MLS Supporters' Shield.

The 38-year-old recently signed a new three-year deal on October 23, keeping him at the club until December 2028.

Edited by Silas Sud