The President of Al-Ettihad, Anmar Al Haili, has made a stunning revelation about just how far he was willing to go to bring Lionel Messi to Saudi Arabia.
Speaking openly, Al Haili stated that money would never have been an obstacle if the Argentine legend had shown interest in joining the Saudi Pro League champions.
“If Messi wants to sign with Al-Ettihad, I’ll give him a blank check where he can write any amount he wants, along with a contract for any duration he chooses — even if it’s for life.”
He went on to describe what Messi’s arrival would have meant for the league, saying the impact would have been immediate and historic.
“To have Messi here in Saudi Arabia wearing Al-Ettihad’s jersey, money would mean nothing to me. We’d celebrate the league before it even starts because I’d have the best player in football history.”
Al Haili also confirmed that he personally reached out to Messi after his contract with Paris Saint-Germain ended, revealing the staggering figures involved in the proposed deal.
“Yes, I reached out to him when his contract with Paris ended and offered him €1.4 billion and €88 million annually, but he declined without even listening to the offer because his family preferred America.”
Despite the rejection, the Al-Ettihad president showed nothing but respect for Messi’s decision, acknowledging the importance of family in the footballer’s choice.
“I respect that, and the door at Al-Ettihad is always open for him whenever he wants to come.”
The revelation highlights the immense financial power behind Saudi football’s ambition, as well as Messi’s firm stance on prioritizing family life over unprecedented earnings.
For now, Messi’s chapter continues elsewhere — but according to Al-Ettihad, the invitation remains permanently open.