Saudi declined offer to sign Messi on pre-World Cup deal: Official

Lionel Messi. Pic/AFP

Saudi Arabia declined an offer to sign Lionel Messi for a short-term stint in the Saudi Pro League before next year's World Cup, according to a senior sports official.

"During the Club World Cup, Messi's team contacted me and offered for him to play in Saudi Arabia because the MLS will stop for four months," Abdullah Hammad said during a podcast with Saudi platform Thmanyah.

"The player wanted to remain in shape and prepare himself for the 2026 World Cup," said Hammad.

Hammad explained that he relayed the offer to the minister of sports, who rejected it.

"He made it clear that the league would not serve as a preparation platform for other tournament," said Hammad.

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