Saudi Arabia 'preparing Lionel Messi loan offer' to reignite Cristiano Ronaldo rivalry
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Saudi Arabia are reportedly preparing a loan offer for Lionel Messi to reignite his infamous rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo.
Messi has been on fire since signing for David Beckham's Inter Miami over the summer, scoring 11 goals in his opening 11 matches and helping the MLS side lift their first ever trophy.
The seven time Ballon d'Or winner purchased a $10.8 million mansion in Florida back in September, hinting that he would stay with Inter Miami for the foreseeable future.
However, Saudi Arabia have not given up on signing the Argentine, and are exploring the option of bringing him to the Middle East on a loan deal this winter.
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That's according to Sky Sports reporter Rudy Galetti, who claims that "internal evaluations are still ongoing," but "developments are expected soon".
If he were to join the Saudi Pro League, Messi would reignite his long-standing rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo, who currently plays his football for Al Nassr.
In theory, a loan move would make the most sense considering the MLS finishes at the end of February, giving Messi almost five months of vacation.
The report adds that signing the World Cup winner is seen as a crucial move within the Public Investment Fund.
Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal previously attempted to lure Messi with an eye-watering €400 million per-year contract, but Messi had other ideas.
It is thought that the 36-year-old will leave Inter Miami after his contract expires in 2025 and has no plans to extend his stay.
However, he has previously hinted at his plans to return to boyhood club Newell’s Old Boys, while a reunion with Barcelona is also not off the cards.
Inter Miami manager Tata Martino revealed he wasn't sure what was next for the little magician, exclaiming: "Messi to Barcelona? It won't be for a walk, right?
"The truth is that this surprises me. I don't know anything. If they tell me that he's going to visit Barcelona on vacation, then yes , It's probable. The truth is that I don't know."
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Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Saudi Pro League, Inter Miami, MLS
