Not Ready to Live in ‘Middle Of the Desert’ Like Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi’s Teammate Admits Ditching Saudi Arabia For Italy

Cristiano Ronaldo started the domino effect of a host of players signing for Saudi Arabian clubs after his move in January 2023. But, it hasn’t been the case for all players, despite the mammoth contracts that were tabled. Lionel Messi‘s Argentine World Cup-winning teammate has now responded to why he chose to move to Italy after rejecting a huge offer from Saudi Arabia.

Lionel Messi, of course, decided to move to the MLS despite offers from Saudi Arabia. But now, Argentine playmaker Papu Gomez, Messi’s teammate from Argentina’s World Cup-winning squad has spoken about his decision to move to AC Monza in the Serie A.

Lionel Messi’s Argentina teammate Papu Gomez rejects following Cristiano Ronaldo’s path to Saudi Arabia

Papu Gomez terminated his contract with La Liga club Sevilla on 1st September 2023. This was despite Gomez having 1-year left on his deal with the Spanish club. Gomez was linked with a big-money move to the Saudi Pro League but chose to move to AC Monza in Italy instead. Now, Gomez has spoken out about his decision citing family reasons.

As reported by renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano on X, Gomez said, “I decided to join Serie A side Monza also because of my family as I received a proposal from Saudi…”. “I didn’t want to take my children, my family to the middle of the desert so I decided to reject and return to Italy”,

Papu Gomez was part of Argentina’s 2022 World Cup squad but only played 1 game in the tournament as they went on to lift the World Cup in Qatar last year. However, this report surfaced shortly following Argentina’s 1-0 win against Paraguay, where the game and Argentina’s result were eclipsed by a controversial spitting incident involving Lionel Messi. Nevertheless, Argentina maintained a 100% win record in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

Also read: After Lionel Messi Risked Injury to Misfire in Close Win, Latest Update About Argentine Might Give Respite to David Beckham

Lionel Messi and Argentina maintain winning record in 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers

For La Albiceleste under Lionel Scaloni, it has been a good start to defending their World Cup title in the next edition of the tournament. The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to take place in the USA, Canada, and Mexico, and qualifiers for the tournament are underway at the moment.

Argentina is currently unbeaten and has a 100% record in the qualifiers, and they have also not conceded a single goal in their opening 3 games. La Albiceleste beat Ecuador 1-0, Bolivia 3-0 and Paraguay 1-0 and are currently top of the CONMEBOL group standings with a maximum of 9 points in their first 3 games. While Argentina’s biggest rivals Brazil are currently 2nd with 7 points from 3 games, winning 2 and drawing 1.

Argentina plays Brazil on 22nd November in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, as the game is billed to be a mouth-watering clash for soccer fans across the globe.

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