8 July 2025
News has spread about the arrival of Argentine star Lionel Messi, captain of the American club Inter Miami, to Al-Ahli next season. Messi's contract with Inter Miami expires on December 31, 2025, prompting Al-Ahli to negotiate a transfer with him approximately six months before the expiration of his contract with the American team.
The French newspaper L'Equipe reported that Al-Ahli will negotiate to sign the legendary Argentine player during the upcoming winter transfer window, following the expiration of his contract with his team. Al-Ahli stipulates that negotiations with Messi be concluded during the current summer transfer window or the negotiations will be closed permanently.
Media professional Khaled Al-Zahrani tweeted a comment on the news published by L'Equipe, confirming the inaccuracy of this news.
Al-Zahrani explained, "It is unhealthy that negotiations are taking place to sign him during the summer transfer window, now or never." It is noteworthy that Messi led Inter Miami to qualify for the round of 16 in the 2025 Club World Cup, before the team suffered a heavy defeat against Paris Saint-Germain (4-0), exiting the tournament held in the United States in the first knockout round.
