Khaberni - Saudi media revealed a shocking surprise about a major deal that was rejected by the officials responsible for incorporating global stars into the local league clubs.
The CEO of Mahd Abdullah Hamad Academy, during his talk on the Socrates podcast, detailed exciting behind-the-scenes information about an offer made by Argentine star Lionel Messi to play in the Saudi League during the American league's off-season, aiming to maintain his physical fitness in preparation for the upcoming World Cup.
Hamad explained that Messi proposed the idea of joining a Saudi League club temporarily last summer, but the Ministry of Sports outright rejected the proposal.
Hamad confirmed that Messi was not looking for a long-term contract, but rather a short period to play in a competitive environment to help him stay in top readiness before the World Cup. However, the stance of the Saudi Minister of Sports was clear, rejecting the notion of transforming the Saudi League into a temporary station for preparing international players, stating that the sports project in the Kingdom is based on building a comprehensive competitive system and not a temporary transitional experience.
He clarified that the Saudi vision in developing football is based on attracting stars under full contracts that contribute to raising the level of local competition and developing clubs and local players over the long term, and not through short loans or seasonal preparation periods. He added that this decision reflects the ministry's commitment to protecting the identity of the Saudi League, which has become one of the most prominent leagues in the region and the world in terms of media momentum and technical level.
