Preliminary talks have been opened between Lionel Messi's representatives and the Public Investment Fund (PIF) of Saudi Arabia. The PIF, which holds a majority stake in the four largest clubs of the Saudi Pro League, including Al-Hilal, aims to enhance the league's attractiveness. Although no concrete offer has been made yet, discussions indicate a clear intention to explore the feasibility of a transfer by January 2025, six months before Messi's contract with MLS ends.

Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund are once again attempting to lure Lionel Messi to the Middle East and have opened talks with his representatives over a potential move from Inter Miami to Al Hilal. The discussions are part of a broader strategy by the PIF to attract top football talent to the Saudi Pro League, although it's not yet known which of PIF’s four clubs—Al Ahli, Al Hilal, Al Ittihad, and Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr—he would be lined up to join. Transfermarkt currently estimates his market worth at 20 million euros.