Lionel Messi turned down a staggering offer from Al-Hilal to join Inter Miami, according to the president of the Saudi Pro League club.
Following the expiration of his contract with Paris Saint-Germain in June 2023, Messi was pursued by several clubs.
Despite rumors of a potential return to Barcelona, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner decided to sign with Major League Soccer’s Inter Miami.
Anmar Al Haili, president of Al-Hilal, disclosed the enormous sum his club was prepared to pay Messi to join Cristiano Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia.
Al Haili told NIBC, “We approached Messi at the end of his contract in Paris. We offered him €1.4 billion, but he declined because his family preferred America.
“It’s surprising that he could refuse such a huge offer for his family’s sake. He convinced his family, and did not hesitate to refuse. We respect this because family is more important than money.”