SHOCKING REVELATION: Saudi Billionaire Reveals the 3 Real Reasons Why He Refused to Bring Lionel Messi to the Saudi Pro League — and the Last One Involves Cristiano Ronaldo’s Selfish Demand That Stunned Everyone!
In a revelation that has sent shockwaves through the football world, one of Saudi Arabia’s most powerful billionaires has broken his silence about why Lionel Messi never joined the Saudi Pro League, despite the kingdom’s massive efforts to attract global superstars. The truth, according to him, lies in three crucial reasons — and the third one, linked directly to Cristiano Ronaldo, has left fans speechless.
When the Saudi Pro League began its billion-dollar campaign to revolutionize football in the Middle East, Lionel Messi was at the top of the list. Government-backed funds and club officials reportedly prepared an astronomical offer — worth more than $400 million per season — to lure the Argentine icon after his departure from Paris Saint-Germain in 2023. Many believed it was only a matter of time before Messi would join his long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo in the desert kingdom, turning Saudi Arabia into the new capital of world football.
But that never happened. Instead, Messi stunned the football world by choosing Inter Miami in the United States, a move that reshaped not just MLS, but global football marketing. For months, speculation swirled about why the deal collapsed, but now, billionaire Faisal Al-Rashid, one of the key figures behind the Saudi football project, has finally spoken out — and his statements are causing massive debate online.
In an exclusive interview with Arabian Business Weekly, Al-Rashid revealed that the Messi deal was indeed on the table — but it was “intentionally pulled back” for three very specific reasons.
1. The Project Was Not Ready for Messi’s Vision
“The first reason,” Al-Rashid explained, “was that the Saudi Pro League was not structurally ready to integrate someone like Messi — not just as a player, but as a global ambassador. Messi wanted to be part of something that had an educational and social dimension. He didn’t just want to play football; he wanted to build something lasting.”
Messi’s representatives reportedly proposed youth academies, international outreach programs, and community initiatives, but the Saudi League at the time was more focused on star signings than long-term development. “Messi was thinking 10 years ahead,” Al-Rashid added. “We were thinking about headlines for tomorrow.”
2. Family and Lifestyle Differences
The second reason, according to the billionaire, was purely personal — the comfort and happiness of Messi’s family. “His wife and children were not convinced about living in Saudi Arabia,” Al-Rashid said. “They visited, they saw the country, but it wasn’t what they imagined for their daily lives.”
Messi’s family, known for valuing privacy and a calm environment, reportedly preferred the lifestyle and schooling options in the United States. “He wanted his children to feel free, to play in the park, to go to school without cameras following them,” the billionaire revealed. “We understood that, and we respected it.”
It was the kind of human explanation that resonated deeply with fans, proving that not everything in football revolves around money — even in an era dominated by record-breaking salaries.
3. Cristiano Ronaldo’s “Exclusive Star” Clause
Then came the bombshell — the third and most controversial reason. Al-Rashid admitted that internal discussions within the Saudi Pro League were affected by Cristiano Ronaldo’s contract conditions.
“When Ronaldo arrived at Al-Nassr, part of his agreement — both formally and informally — was that he would be the face of Saudi football,” Al-Rashid disclosed. “It was important for him to have that status, that leadership role. Bringing Messi at that moment could have created tension, and we did not want to start a rivalry inside our own project.”
According to multiple insiders, Ronaldo’s representatives allegedly made it clear that if Messi joined any Saudi club — whether Al-Hilal or another rival — it could “undermine” the Portuguese star’s influence as the league’s central attraction.
In other words, Messi’s arrival would have threatened Ronaldo’s spotlight, something Al-Rashid diplomatically described as “a matter of ego and identity.”
“We admire Cristiano deeply,” he continued, “but yes, his presence and his personality had a big impact on our decision. We could not risk internal friction between the two greatest players in history. Sometimes, peace is more valuable than publicity.”
The Reaction — Fans Divided
The revelations have sparked massive debate across social media. Fans of both Messi and Ronaldo are clashing online, with hashtags like #RonaldoJealous and #MessiRejectedSaudi trending within hours. Many accuse Ronaldo of being selfish and insecure, while others defend him, arguing that the Saudi League needed one clear global face to maintain its identity.
One viral post on X read: “Ronaldo couldn’t handle sharing the throne. Messi didn’t need Saudi money — he already had the world.”
Meanwhile, others point out that Messi’s decision to join Inter Miami allowed him to expand his global brand while staying true to his values. “Messi chose legacy over luxury,” wrote The Guardian in a follow-up editorial, noting how his move to the U.S. helped grow football across North America ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Messi’s Quiet Response
When asked about the Saudi deal months later, Messi gave a typically calm and humble response:
“It was never about money. I made the choice that felt right for me and my family.”
Those words now seem to echo Al-Rashid’s revelations perfectly — a decision rooted not in wealth or rivalry, but in purpose and peace.
As the Saudi Pro League continues to evolve, with dozens of international stars joining its ranks, one can’t help but wonder how different things might have been if Messi had accepted the offer. But as Al-Rashid himself concluded in the interview:
“Sometimes, the greatest victories come from the deals you don’t make.”
And with that, the mystery behind Messi’s Saudi saga finally seems solved — a story of vision, family, and a rivalry so powerful it can reshape entire leagues.
