Lionel Messi was considered a one-club man. Who knew that after staying at Barcelona for such a long haul, we’d get to see him in another jersey? If it weren’t for the financial turmoil at Camp Nou, then things would perhaps be different. From Barcelona to PSG and now finally to Inter Miami, the 35-year-old’s domestic soccer journey became an exciting one.

Before leaving PSG, the Argentinian star had many options. While Europe’s apex clubs tried to seduce him, a massive offer worth around $530 million per year from the Middle East also came his way. However, his association with Saudi Arabia continues, even after swiftly rejecting the offer.

Lionel Messi continues his association with Saudi Arabia

When Messi went on an unannounced trip with his family to Saudi Arabia, the whole soccer world went into a frenzy. Many thought he went there to negotiate his transfer from a Middle Eastern club, specifically Al-Hilal. The Pro League club had been interested in La Pulga for a long time.

However, that was the slightest reason he flew to the Gulf country. The actual reason was because of his partnership deal with the country. As stated in Joe Pompliano’s podcast show, Messi will still continue his association with the Saudis. In the podcast, he said, “And Saudi Arabia—that was a pretty logical choice too. Messi already has a tourism ambassador deal with the country that pays him $33 million annually.”

The famous sports and business analyst suggested he also got a mouth-watering deal from the club. “And with Saudi’s $620 billion soccer fund taking over the country’s four largest soccer teams this past week, Messi was reportedly offered a three-year, $1.6 billion deal to play in the Saudi Professional League.”

READ MORE: After Michael Jordan-Like Offer From $32 Billion Brand, Lionel Messi Set to Bag 6X More Salary Than MLS’ Highest Paid Superstar

Had Messi actually chosen Al Hilal over Miami, then he would have slept on the big bed of cash. In fact, he rejected the offer twice that Tiger Woods was once offered.

Messi rejected a massive offer like Tiger Woods

Al Hilal’s offer to Messi was bold and ambitious. It even surpassed the substantial amount that Saudi-backed LIV Golf had reportedly offered Tiger Woods to leave the PGA Tour. The legendary golfer got an offer of around $800 million. Several other golf stars were also offered a significant amount.

Despite Tiger Woods rejecting the offer from LIV and choosing to remain with the PGA for a reduced amount, the decision seems to have backfired as the PGA and LIV have recently merged. However, turning our attention to Messi’s offer, it is noteworthy that he was offered double the amount that Woods was being offered.

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What are your thoughts on Messi rejecting such a big-money move? Let us know in the comments.