They want to convince Messi to compete with Cristiano, the Saudi team that dreams of persuading Lionel & isn't Al Hilal

Many football fans know that Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo will soon retire from the game, and they wish to see them face off against each other on a football pitch for one last time. The two play in different leagues and the next possible time the two could meet again is in the 2026 World Cup. Now rumors are circulating that in Saudi Arabia, they will attempt to sign Messi in order to see another Ronaldo and Messi clash. A Saudi club is interested in signing the Inter Miami star, and it isn't Al Hilal who was interested in signing him last summer after he left PSG as a free agent. Steven Gerrard is the manager of Al Ettifaq, and he openly says that his dream and goal is to coach the Argentine star at that Saudi Arabian club. Gerrard said, "It's a dream for me to have Messi at Al Ettifaq. He is an incredible player and would be a great asset for the club. I know it's difficult for him to move to Saudi Arabia, but there's nothing wrong with dreaming."

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Gerrard was appointed the coach of Al Ettifaq last summer, and his contract expires in the summer of 2027. He has coached 36 matches with the team so far across all competitions. The record of his team under his tactics is 13 wins, 12 draws, and 11 losses. The club may not be one of the top four richest clubs in Saudi Arabia, but they really dream of signing Messi this summer.

Some notable players that the club has signed over the last year were Jordan Henderson, Georginio Wijnaldum, and Moussa Dembele. Al Ettifaq finished 6th in the Saudi Pro League with 48 points. Their record in the league was 12 wins, 12 draws, and 10 losses.

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Lionel Messi's contract with Inter Miami

Lionel Messi joined Inter Miami last summer, and his contract expires in December of 2025. The Argentine star is enjoying his time in the MLS, and despite the Saudi Arabian clubs having more money, the lifestyle he is living now is what makes it difficult to persuade him to leave this summer.