Al-Ittihad president Anmar Al Haili is making an audacious bid to secure Lionel Messi, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to bringing the Argentine superstar to the Middle East. Al Haili has expressed his willingness to provide an unparalleled financial package and a long-term commitment, potentially a "lifetime" association, to entice Messi. This renewed pursuit highlights Al-Ittihad's grand ambitions in the global football landscape. The club's determined stance is particularly noteworthy as it unfolds against the backdrop of challenges faced by their Saudi rivals, Al Nassr, who are dealing with the suspension of their star player, Cristiano Ronaldo.
Al-Ittihad's Unprecedented Pursuit of Messi
Al-Ittihad's president, Anmar Al Haili, has publicly reaffirmed his intense desire to acquire Lionel Messi, making it clear that financial considerations are secondary to securing the football legend. He has indicated that Messi would be given complete freedom to dictate his salary and the duration of his contract, even extending to a 'lifetime' commitment with the club. Al Haili's declaration, "Financial gain means nothing to me; I want Messi because he is the best player in history," underscores the club's profound ambition to elevate its status by bringing the world champion to their team. This strategy emphasizes a focus on prestige and global recognition rather than just economic returns, aiming to make a significant statement in the world of professional sports.
This is not the first instance of Al-Ittihad attempting to sign Messi. Following his departure from PSG, the club reportedly presented a staggering offer of 1.4 billion euros annually. However, Messi chose to decline this offer, prioritizing his family's well-being and opting for a move to the United States instead. Despite this previous rejection, Al Haili remains undeterred, maintaining an open invitation for Messi to join the club "whenever he wants." This persistent pursuit highlights Al-Ittihad's long-term vision and their belief that Messi's arrival would be a transformative event for the club. The club's aggressive recruitment strategy stands in stark contrast to the internal issues currently facing Al Nassr, particularly with Cristiano Ronaldo's suspension, which will sideline him for crucial matches against key rivals like Al Shabab and Al Taawon. This situation could create a strategic advantage for Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Pro League, as they continue to target high-profile players.
The Astronomical Offer and Messi's Prioritization
The president of Al-Ittihad, Anmar Al Haili, has once again made headlines by publicly reiterating his profound desire to bring Lionel Messi to the club. He has made it unequivocally clear that financial resources are not a barrier in this pursuit, going as far as to state that Messi could personally determine his own salary and contract length, even proposing a "lifetime" association with the club. Al Haili's candid confession, "Financial gain means nothing to me; I want Messi because he is the best player in history," perfectly encapsulates the club's singular focus on acquiring arguably the greatest footballer of all time, driven by a desire for sporting excellence and global prestige rather than mere monetary considerations.
This renewed effort comes after a previous, record-breaking attempt to sign Messi following his departure from PSG. At that time, Al-Ittihad extended an astonishing offer of 1.4 billion euros per year, an amount unprecedented in the history of professional sports. Despite this colossal sum, Messi opted against the move, choosing instead to prioritize his family's welfare and settle in the United States. While acknowledging and respecting Messi's prior decision, Al Haili has consistently maintained an open door, emphasizing that Messi is welcome to join Al-Ittihad at any time he chooses. This persistent and ambitious pursuit by Al-Ittihad unfolds as their rivals, Al Nassr, contend with significant challenges, including a potential four-match suspension for Cristiano Ronaldo, which would see him miss critical fixtures against formidable opponents such as Al Shabab and Al Taawon, potentially impacting the competitive balance within the league.