Inter Miami skipper, Lionel Messi, gestures during an MLS game.

RIYADH, July 7: Saudi club Al-Ahli has entered negotiations to sign Argentine superstar Lionel Messi, currently playing for Inter Miami, according to French newspaper L'Equipe.

The report states that Al-Ahli’s management aims to acquire Messi as a free agent once his contract with the American club expires in December.

Interest from Saudi clubs in Messi is no secret, with strong efforts made during the summer of 2023 after his contract with Paris Saint-Germain ended.

L'Equipe highlighted, “Two years later, Saudi clubs have not lost hope of signing Messi, who will become a free agent at the end of this year.”

While financial details of the talks remain undisclosed, the report notes Saudi Arabia’s determination to secure a deal, especially as the country prepares to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup.

Officials from Al-Ahli, the winner of this year’s AFC Champions League, have been pursuing Messi for weeks. Meanwhile, Inter Miami is also keen to retain the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner after his two impressive seasons in MLS.