• Loading stock data...
Wednesday, January 7, 2026

Lionel Messi Courted in Saudi Arabia, Paris, Miami

  • Lionel Messi could have an offer of $300 million per year to play in Saudi Arabia.
  • He could also stay in Paris or come to the U.S.
Lionel-Messi
Yukihito Taguchi-USA TODAY Sports

Lionel Messi has at least three continents to choose for his next club destination. 

The soccer superstar reportedly has an offer from Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal that could be worth as much as $300 million per year. His father and agent Jorge Messi was rumored to have traveled to Riyadh to negotiate a deal.

  • Messi’s contract with Paris Saint-Germain, which pays him $54.2 million over two years on top of a $27.1 million signing bonus, expires this summer. PSG is owned by the state-run Qatar Sports Investment.
  • Previous reports indicated that he had agreed to re-sign with the star-laden club, which have since been denied.
  • Last May, Messi signed a deal to promote tourism in Saudi Arabia. PSG will travel to Saudi Arabia on Jan. 19 to play a squad made up of players from Al Hilal and Al-Nassr.

Cristiano Ronaldo signed with Al-Nassr for a reported $75 million per year. Saudi Arabia is looking to host the 2030 World Cup.

Lionel Messi hoists World Cup trophy in front of fans at Lusail Stadium in Qatar

Lionel Messi’s World Cup Victory Post Makes Instagram History

The post is the most-liked in Instagram history.
December 19, 2022

Messi in Miami?

Another possibility is that Messi could make good on a long-rumored prospect of playing in MLS.

Inter Miami, co-owned by David Beckham, remains interested in luring the star, and Messi has said previously that he’s interested in playing in the U.S. before his career is over.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Hockey in Florida Was Once a Risk. Now It’s Thriving

The state of Florida has become a traditional—and highly lucrative—market.
Dec 30, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) reacts after scoring a basket against the Detroit Pistons during the second half at Crypto.com Arena

Why Pro Sports Team Valuations Will Keep Climbing in 2026

Asset scarcity and increasing media-rights deals underpin soaring valuations.
Imagn Images/Front Office Sports

FOS Crystal Ball: Predictions for the Business of Sports in 2026

Here’s what FOS journalists think could be on the horizon.
Heated Rivalry (L to R) - Connor Storrie as Ilya Rozanov and Hudson Williams as Shane Hollander in Episode 104 of Heated Rivalry. Cr. Sabrina Lantos © 2025

Hockey Needed Some Virality. Then Came ‘Heated Rivalry’

No one was prepared for the Canadian show’s smash success.

Featured Today

Rob Manfred
exclusive

MLB Teams Fear League Will Pick Winners and Losers in Tech

One company under consideration was founded by a top MLB exec’s uncle.
December 23, 2025

What It Takes to Pull Off Florida’s First Outdoor NHL Game

The Rangers will face the Panthers in Miami’s first NHL Winter Classic.
December 14, 2025

How Pickleball Became One Massive Private-Equity Rollup

Pickleball roads lead back to billionaire Tom Dundon.
Dec 9, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) dribbles against Toronto Raptors guard Jamal Shead (23) during the first half at the 2025-26 NBA Emirates Cup at Scotiabank Arena
December 13, 2025

The Lucrative NBA Cup Is Here to Stay

The in-season tournament, launched in 2023, is turning into a staple.
exclusive

Tiger Woods’s 50th Birthday Party Has Jon Bon Jovi and a Title..

The golf superstar is hosting a belated 50th birthday bash.
Aug 18 2024; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Aryna Sabalenka at the net with Iga Swiatek of Poland after their match on day seven of the Cincinnati Open.
January 5, 2026

Women Tennis Players Continue to Blast Battle of the Sexes

“The guy is detestable,” one former women’s pro said about Nick Kyrgios.
January 5, 2026

Saquon Barkley Whiffs on Incentives a Year After Sweeping Them

Barkley sat out Sunday’s game to rest for the postseason. 
Sponsored

ESPN Edge Innovation Conference 2025: Inside the Technology Shaping the Future of..

At ESPN Edge Innovation Conference 2025, ESPN showcased how AI, immersive tech, and a rebuilt direct-to-consumer platform are redefining the future of sports media.
January 2, 2026

McIlroy Roasts LIV, But Would Welcome Players Back to PGA Tour

McIlroy admitted he was “too judgemental” of professionals who left for LIV.
January 2, 2026

Sabalenka, Kyrgios Hint at ‘Battle of the Sexes’ Sequel

Sabalenka lost to Kyrgios in straight sets in the controversial exhibition.
Nov 3, 2025; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani acknowledges the crowd during the World Series championship parade at downtown Los Angeles
December 28, 2025

It Was the Year of Shohei Ohtani (Again)

The two-way superstar has a massive year on and off the field.
Oct 10, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Las Vegas Aces center A'ja Wilson (22) celebrates with teammates after game four of the 2025 WNBA Finals at Mortgage Matchup Center.
December 27, 2025

The Year of A’ja Wilson

No one in basketball had a bigger year.