Overview
- Abdullah Hammad, CEO of Mahd Sports Academy, said Messi’s camp asked during the recent Club World Cup about staying in Saudi Arabia during the MLS off-season.
- Hammad said the request was framed as a way for Messi to maintain fitness and prepare for the 2026 World Cup.
- He said he passed the inquiry to the sports minister, who declined on the grounds that the Saudi Pro League should not serve other competitions’ preparations.
- Pressed on whether Saudi Arabia had indeed said no to Messi, Hammad answered, “That’s correct,” noting the account came in a Thmanyah podcast rather than a ministerial statement.
- Messi remains with Inter Miami, while the Saudi Pro League continues to feature high-profile signings since 2023, including Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar and Karim Benzema.