Al-Ittihad President Dangles "Job for Life" Contract at Messi as Saudi Riches Beckon

The Saudi Arabian riches continue to call for Lionel Messi, with Al-Ittihad's president now extending an extraordinary lifelong offer to bring the Argentine maestro to the Middle East.

Anmar Al Haili has made no bones about his ambitions, suggesting that should Messi accept terms, he would craft a bespoke arrangement allowing the forward to earn whatever he desires for as long as he pleases—potentially extending into his retirement years. "If Messi agrees to sign with Al Ittihad, I would offer him a contract where he could earn whatever amount he wants, for as long as he wants, even for life," Al Haili declared.

The proposition carries particular intrigue given that Cristiano Ronaldo already plies his trade in Saudi Arabia following his 2023 switch, though reports have suggested the Portuguese forward has expressed interest in joining Inter Miami to reunite with Messi in Major League Soccer.

Al Haili's current overture represents a second attempt to secure the Barcelona legend's signature. The club president revealed he had previously approached Messi in 2023 when the Argentine's contract with Paris Saint-Germain expired, tabling a staggering €1.4billion (£1.21billion) proposal. That offer fell by the wayside, with Al Haili attributing the rejection to Messi's prioritisation of family considerations over financial inducement.

"He rejected such a big offer for the sake of his family despite having convinced them," Al Haili explained. "However, he did not hesitate to reject it because family is more important than money. I respect him, and Al Ittihad will always open the door for him, he can come whenever he wants."

Messi's credentials scarcely require rehearsal. The Inter Miami forward has amassed 792 goals across 972 club appearances and 115 goals in 196 Argentina outings, collecting eight Ballon d'Or awards along the way. His Barcelona tenure yielded ten La Liga crowns, seven Copa del Rey trophies, seven Spanish Super Cups, four Champions League titles, three UEFA Super Cups and three FIFA Club World Cups.

Questions surrounding his participation at the 2026 World Cup have lingered since December, when Messi acknowledged uncertainty over his involvement. "I hope I can be there. I've said before that I'd love to be there," he said at the time. "At worst, I'll be there watching it live, but it will be special. The World Cup is special for everyone, for any country, especially for us, because we live it in a completely different way."

Al Haili's enthusiasm for the prospect remains undiminished, framing Messi's arrival as transcending mere sporting merit. "Having Messi here in Saudi Arabia wearing our shirt, economically it means nothing to me," the president insisted. "We would celebrate the league even before it started because we would have the best player in the history of football."