After Ditching Ex-Teammate Lionel Messi, 39-Year-Old Legend Shrugs Off His Potential Move to Middle-East

The past few months have seen Lionel Messi dominate the transfer headlines. But the saga came to an end after he finally signed for Inter Miami. In the process, the player got linked with a big-money move to Saudi Arabia. While he swiftly rejected it, can he still move to the Middle East?

This year’s whole summer transfer window was dominated by Middle Eastern clubs. The exodus of soccer stars continues, but it was Messi who broke the chain. The Argentinian may have rejected a brief move to the Saudi Pro League, but can we play for another Gulf-based league? Well, the 39-year-old legend strongly disagrees.

39-year-old legend denies Lionel Messi’s potential move to the Middle East

As players continued to move to the Saudi Pro League, FC Barcelona legend Andres Iniesta took a rather different road. The 39-year-old midfielder made a surprising move by joining UAE Pro League team Emirates Club, as announced on Wednesday. The midfielder inked a one-year contract with the Ras Al Khaimah-based club.

Interestingly, many in the soccer fraternity are hoping to see Messi’s participation in the Middle East region at some point. This question was posed to Iniesta during his introductory press conference. A journalist asked whether his decision might influence the 36-year-old to consider playing in the UAE before concluding his illustrious career.

As per Khaleej Times, Iniesta replied, “My relationship with Lionel is very good. We are very good friends. But I don’t know about the future. Now, as you know, he is playing in the United States for Miami. I think he is very happy there. For me, playing with him was amazing and unique.” He continued, “So I think you should ask him that question if he wants to come to this part of the world in future. For me it’s a difficult question to answer.”

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It seems the former Spanish international has shrugged off Messi’s potential rumors to join him in the UAE. Nevertheless, it was worth a try to ask Iniesta himself. Remarkably, before joining the Middle Eastern side from Vissel Kobe, the midfielder had a chance to join Messi in Miami. But he rejected it.

Ditched Lionel Messi in favor of the Middle East

Shortly after Messi came to Inter Miami, he witnessed a little reunion. La Pulga was joined by his former FC Barcelona teammates, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba. Another two stars, namely Luis Suarez and, more surprisingly, Iniesta, were also linked to join the Herons. However, neither of the moves happened, with Suarez fulfilling his contract with Gremio and Iniesta leaving for the Middle East.

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Indeed, if Iniesta would have joined Messi at the Florida-based club this summer, then it would have been a heavenly moment for all the Barca fans. But the legendary midfielder decided to snub the reunion anyway. Nevertheless, as of now, both players are happy where they are right now.