The Untold Story of the World’s Biggest Contract Rejection
In a revelation that has stunned the footballing world, Al-Ittihad president Anmar Al Haili has detailed the jaw-dropping efforts made to bring Lionel Messi to Saudi Arabia. According to Marca, the Saudi giants offered the Argentine legend a historic €1.4 billion deal—and effectively a “blank check” to dictate his own terms.
Family Over Fortune: Why Messi Said No
Despite the astronomical figures, Messi chose to join Inter Miami in MLS. Al Haili confirmed that while the financial package was unprecedented, the player’s priority was his family’s well-being:
“I offered Messi €1.4 billion, and he rejected it for the sake of his family,” Al Haili revealed. “I offered him a contract where he could earn as much as he wants, for as long as he wants—even a contract for life. He didn’t hesitate to refuse because family is more important than money.”
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While Messi turned down the Saudi billions, he remains one of the highest-paid athletes on the planet. The battle for the top spot remains a duel between the two greatest of their generation:
Top 4 Highest-Paid Players in the World: | Rank | Player | Club | Annual Earnings | | :— | :— | :— | :— | | 1 | Cristiano Ronaldo | Al-Nassr | $280 Million | | 2 | Lionel Messi | Inter Miami | $130 Million | | 3 | Karim Benzema | Al-Ittihad | $104 Million | | 4 | Vinícius Júnior | Real Madrid | $60 Million |
The Door Remains Open
Despite the initial refusal back in 2023, Al-Ittihad’s president hasn’t given up hope. He emphasized that the Saudi club would always welcome the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner: “I respect him, and Al-Ittihad will always welcome him back; he can come whenever he wants.”
