After bidding farewell to Paris Saint-Germain, Argentine soccer superstar Lionel Messi put family first, turning down a staggering €1.4 billion contract from Saudi club Al-Jeddah United to join Major League Soccer (MLS) team Inter Miami. This decision underscores the decisive role that family plays in his career planning.
Al-Jeddah United Chairman Ammar Al-Helayes confirmed publicly that they did make an irresistible offer to Messi as his contract with PSG expired, amounting to an astronomical €1.4 billion. However, Messi declined the offer without hesitation due to his family’s preference for life in the United States.
Al-Helayes revealed, “We contacted Messi after his contract with PSG ended and offered him €1.4 billion, but he refused because his family wanted to go to the U.S. It’s astonishing that a player would turn down such a significant offer for his family. He could have convinced them, but he didn’t hesitate to decline. We respect that because family is more important than money.”
Messi’s move to Inter Miami allows him to reunite with former Barcelona teammates like Luis Suárez, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets, continuing their football saga on the North American continent. His choice highlights not only personal sentiments but also the MLS’s appeal in terms of fan base, commercial potential, and a family-friendly environment. Messi’s decision underscores that, in the later stages of his career, personal and familial happiness carries significant weight alongside competitive and financial considerations.