Football
Messi was denied transfer to the Saudi Arabian club to prepare for the 2026 World Cup – media
In Saudi Arabia, Inter Miami striker Lionel Messiah was denied a transfer to the country’s club to gain playing experience before the 2026 World Cup, RMC Sport reports, citing the podcast of the Arabic media Thmanya.
Messi was reportedly looking to move to a Saudi Arabian club during the MLS break to stay in shape ahead of the World Cup.
“I presented the proposal to the minister, but he refused for Messi to come for only four months, and the matter was closed. He said that the Saudi championship will not be a training camp,” said Mahd Abdallah Hammad, general director of the football academy.
At the end of October, 38-year-old Messi extended his contract with Inter Miami until 2028.
Messi is the owner of eight Golden Balls. As part of the Argentina national team, the forward won the World Cup in 2022, the Copa America (2021, 2024), the Finalissima (2022) and the Olympic Games (2008).
The 2026 World Cup will take place from June 11 to July 19 in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Source: Sportbox
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