Nigerian striker Odion Ighalo has expressed his surprise at Lionel Messi not joining Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal. Ighalo revealed that Messi’s potential move was one of the reasons his own contract with Al-Hilal was not extended. He also claimed that Messi would have earned double the salary of Cristiano Ronaldo if he had joined the Saudi club.
Messi recently made a surprising move to Major League Soccer side Inter Miami after leaving Paris Saint-Germain. In an interview with popular football journalist Oma Akatugba, Ighalo shared his astonishment at Messi’s decision. I’m shocked Messi didn’t go to Saudi Arabia because it was part of the reasons my contract was not being extended [with Al-Hilal]. I thought it was a done deal, Ighalo remarked.
The Nigerian striker further revealed that the financial offer made to Messi by Al-Hilal was extremely lucrative. The money they were offering him in Saudi [Arabia] was crazy. He was going to earn twice what Ronaldo was earning. I was shocked he didn’t go there. He chose Miami, Ighalo said.
Messi’s absence from Al-Hilal undoubtedly surprised Ighalo, who believed the Argentine superstar would have significantly boosted the club’s fortunes. However, Messi ultimately chose to embark on a new adventure in the United States instead.
This unexpected development raises questions about what could have been for Al-Hilal and the potential impact Messi could have had on Saudi Arabian football. The financial aspect alone, with Messi earning double the salary of Ronaldo, would have undoubtedly made waves in the football world.
While Ighalo’s revelation sheds light on the missed opportunity for Al-Hilal, it also highlights the allure of Major League Soccer for top players. Inter Miami’s acquisition of Messi is a significant coup for the club and the league as a whole, demonstrating the growing global appeal and competitiveness of American soccer.
Whether Messi’s decision to join Inter Miami instead of Al-Hilal was solely based on financial reasons or had other motivating factors remains unknown. However, it is clear that his presence in Saudi Arabia would have had a seismic impact on the football landscape in the country.
As fans, we can only wonder what could have been and look forward to witnessing Messi’s continued brilliance in his new MLS venture.
