Revealed: How Lionel Messi turned down massive Al-Hilal offer
Lionel Messi reportedly turned down a staggering salary offer from Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal after his departure from Paris Saint-Germain.
Following his high-profile exit from Barcelona in 2021, Messi joined PSG but left the club amid controversy after two seasons. As a free agent, Messi was approached by Al-Hilal with an enticing financial package. Recent reports reveal that Al-Hilal offered Messi a weekly salary between €15-20 million, which, with bonuses and objectives, could have amounted to €900 million to €1 billion annually, according to CentreGoals.
Despite the lucrative offer, Messi chose to join Inter Miami in Major League Soccer (MLS). His decision was influenced by a desire to step out of the limelight and focus more on his family. Messi explained, “I’m at a point where I want to step out of the spotlight a bit, think more about my family. I had two years where I was so unhappy on a personal level that I didn’t enjoy it. I had that month that was spectacular for me because of winning the World Cup, but apart from that, it was a difficult period for me. I want to rediscover joy, enjoy my family, my children, the day-to-day.”
Had Messi accepted Al-Hilal’s offer, he would have become one of the highest-paid football players in history, surpassing Cristiano Ronaldo, who currently earns €200 million annually at Al Nassr.
In other news, Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has expressed confidence in Messi’s ability to lead Argentina in the 2026 World Cup. Martinez believes the five-time Ballon d’Or winner still has the capability to shine on the world stage.
