. Despite missing out on the permanent signing of the Argentine captain, several clubs in the Saudi Pro League are eyeing up a loan move for the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner. According to Al Bilad Daily, PIF is set to initiate talks with the Florida club over the possibility of singing Messi on loan for the 2023/24 season. It is claimed talks between the teams could begin in the next few days, with PIF's plan being for the 36-year-old to represent one of their four teams in the Saudi Pro League: Al Ahli, Al Hilal, Al Nassr and Al Ittihad. Saudi clubs have spent over £462 million on transfers so far this transfer window, with the figure particularly inflated by Neymar's recent high-profile switch from PSG to Al Hilal costing £77 million. Earlier this offseason, Messi snubbed Saudi Arabia to join Inter Miami after his contract with Paris Saint-Germain came to an end in July. However, PIF are still hopeful in bringing Messi to the league. Messi){kind=link}
Lionel Messi completed a stunning move to Inter Miami and has hit the ground running for the MLS franchise, but the Argentine superstar could be the subject of an audacious Saudi Pro League bid
Lionel Messi has been linked with a loan move to the Saudi Pro League despite only recently joining MLS franchise Inter Miami.
Last month, Messi’s incredible move to the United States was confirmed as he was unveiled at Inter Miami’s DRV PNK Stadium. The signing of Messi is perhaps the most monumental move in North American football history, even eclipsing Brazilian icon Pele’s transfer to the New York Cosmos in 1975 as the country begins to become infatuated with the sport.
Amid the explosion of interest surrounding his switch from PSG to Inter Miami, Messi scored a dramatic free-kick winning goal in the final seconds of his debut. Since arriving, Messi has taken over as club captain and scored nine goals in six victorious Leagues Cup games.
However, Messi is reportedly still firmly in the sights of the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF). Despite missing out on the permanent signing of the Argentine captain, several clubs in the Saudi Pro League are eyeing up a loan move for the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner.