![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/Lionel-Messi-Sergio-Busquets-Jordi-Alba-and-Luis-Suarez.jpeg?width=600)
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/Lionel-Messi-Sergio-Busquets-Jordi-Alba-and-Luis-Suarez.jpeg?width=600)
Inter Miami, following their two friendlies against FC Dallas and El Salvador, rolled to Saudi Arabia in style. The Herons will be present in the Middle Eastern nation for eight days. It looks like the country does not want to leave any box unchecked for Lionel Messi, with the Argentine and his teammates provided lodging at a Saudi Arabian prince’s property. Talk about no expenses spared!
It does not come off as a big surprise, with La Pulga known to be close with the Saudi royal family. Being the nation’s tourism ambassador, the Argentine shares close ties with the officials. Inter Miami will kick-start their Saudi campaign with a game against Al Hilal on the 29th of February before facing Al Nassr in a highly anticipated fixture on February 1st.
Saudi Arabia provides Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami with top-of-the-class services
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The Saudi Arabian authorities want to ensure that Lionel Messi and his side face no worries during their time in the nation. Officials in charge of the team’s hospitality have put their necks out for the side, securing them the best possible location during their stay. According to reports, “The residence of Inter Miami Club will be in the Four Seasons Hotel in the Kingdom Tower belonging to His Highness Prince Alwaleed bin Talal.”
🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨
مقر سكن نـادي إنتر ميامي سيكون في فنادق الفور سيزونز في برج المملكة التابع لـسمو الأمير الوليد بن طلال 💙🇸🇦 pic.twitter.com/Vz8K8EnyWk
— سهم (@1SMi_) January 25, 2024
Despite interest from Saudi Arabia, Lionel Messi decided to make a move to the United States in 2023. However, it seems like his snub hasn’t soured his relationship with the Middle Eastern nation’s authorities. La Pulga currently has a three-year deal alongside the Saudi Tourism Authorities that sees him bank a massive $25 million for promoting the country’s tourism.
Inter Miami is expected to hit the training ground in the coming days, with the side scheduled for a list of fixtures in the coming weeks. Tata Martino and his men will hope for an excellent start to their pre-season, with fans expecting a lot from the Herons this season. Despite Ronaldo and Al Nassr missing out on the Al Nassr tour, Messi has his socks rolled up!
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Inter Miami outline schedule for the Asia tour
The David Beckham-owned franchise will start its Asia tour with a game against Al Hilal during the Riyadh Season Cup. La Pulga is then expected to come face to face against rival Cristiano Ronaldo, with Al Nassr set to lock horns against Inter Miami this coming Thursday. The Herons, following their games against the Saudi Pro League heavyweights, are scheduled to travel to Hong Kong to take on an All-Star team on February 4th.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Miami will then make a quick trip to Japan to face multi-time J League Champions Vissel Kobe in a friendly fixture on the 7th of February to wrap up the tour. Following their Asia tour, the Miami-based franchise plans to compete with Lionel Messi’s childhood club Newell’s Old Boys, before returning to the United States to kick-start their MLS campaign against Real Salt Lake on 22nd February. All in all, the schedule is packed!
WATCH THIS STORY: Meet the Legendary Tennis Player Who is 3x Richer than Cristiano Ronaldo