Remember when Messi left PSG in 2023? Turns out he had a mind-blowing offer on the table that would've made him even richer than you could imagine. Former Al-Ittihad president Anmar Al Haili just dropped a bombshell - they offered Lionel Messi €1.4 billion to join the Saudi club.
Yes, you read that right. €1.4 billion. That's £1.23 billion for those keeping track. And Messi said no.
Al Haili explained that the Argentine legend turned down the massive payday for one simple reason: his family. "I offered Messi €1.4bn, and he rejected such a high offer for the sake of his family, despite having convinced them," the former president revealed.
Family Over Fortune
The approach came right after Messi's contract with Paris Saint-Germain expired. Al-Ittihad didn't mess around - they basically handed him a blank cheque. But money wasn't everything for the World Cup winner.
"He did not hesitate to refuse, because family is more important than money," Al Haili said. The former chairman added that Al-Ittihad would still welcome Messi anytime he wants to come.
Instead of Saudi Arabia, Messi chose Inter Miami and Major League Soccer. The deal wasn't exactly pocket change either - he's earning between €50-60 million per year, plus shares in profits from Apple and Adidas partnerships, and property opportunities in Miami.
What This Means for Inter Miami
At 38 years old, Messi recently extended his contract with Inter Miami through 2028. He signed that renewal in October 2025, shutting down any talk about leaving anytime soon.
"It makes me very happy to continue here and carry on with this project," Messi told the club's official website. He called playing at Miami Freedom Park a dream turned into reality.
For bettors keeping an eye on MLS action, this commitment is huge. Having Messi locked in means Inter Miami remains a serious contender for championships and a draw for other top talent. Al-Ittihad, meanwhile, has built a star-studded squad with Karim Benzema, N'Golo Kante, and Fabinho, making them Saudi league favourites.
The moral of the story? Even €1.4 billion can't always buy happiness. Sometimes the lifestyle and family considerations trump the biggest paycheque in football history.
