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Saudis turned down Messi stint ahead of 2026 World Cup, says official

Argentina's forward Lionel Messi looks on during the Conmebol 2024 Copa America match vs Canada at Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on June 20, 2024. [CHARLY TRIBALLEAU / AFP]

Saudi Arabia declined an offer to sign Lionel Messi for a short-term stint in the Saudi Pro League before next year's World Cup, according to a senior sports official.

"During the last Club World Cup, Messi's team contacted me and offered for him to play in Saudi Arabia because the MLS will stop for nearly four months," Abdullah Hammad, CEO of the Mahd Sports Academy, said during a podcast with Saudi platform Thmanyah.

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