“The player wanted to remain in shape and prepare himself for the 2026 World Cup,” said Hammad
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.
This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
