Negotiations Underway for Lionel Messi’s $400 Million Contract in Saudi Pro League
Saudi Arabia is reportedly in negotiations with football star Lionel Messi’s father to offer him a $400 million annual contract to play with the Saudi Pro League this summer. This potential deal would far exceed the more than $200 million contract that Cristiano Ronaldo recently signed to play in Saudi Arabia until the summer of 2025. However, Messi’s recent suspension by his current club Paris Saint-Germain for two weeks after traveling to Saudi Arabia without permission from the organization may complicate matters. Messi had previously agreed to a deal in principle to stay with PSG, but following the disciplinary action, he will not renew his contract.
Saudi Arabia’s Sports Investments: LIV Golf, Newcastle United, and Formula 1 Racing
Saudi Arabia’s potential signing of Lionel Messi is just one of many moves by the kingdom to upend the world of professional sports. In addition to signing Cristiano Ronaldo, the country has financed the LIV Golf league and purchased Premier League club Newcastle United through its sovereign wealth fund. The fund has also mulled adding Formula 1 motor racing to its sports investments.
Saudi’s Sports Investments as Soft Power Strategy and Sportswashing Accusations
The Public Investment Fund’s (PIF) sports investments and moves to bring major sporting events to the kingdom are partly an attempt to boost Saudi soft power. However, critics have accused such deals of “sportswashing,” an attempt to improve the nation’s image and divert attention from its poor human rights record.
Overall, Saudi Arabia’s expanding sports investments raise questions about the role of sports in shaping international relations and the potential consequences of using sports as a tool for soft power.
Saudi Arabia’s offer of a $400 million contract to Lionel Messi has once again stirred up the world of professional sports. This move is not surprising considering the country’s recent investments in sports, including the signing of Cristiano Ronaldo, financing of the LIV Golf league, and the purchase of Premier League club Newcastle United. While the Saudi sovereign wealth fund’s investments in sports may be an attempt to boost the nation’s soft power, critics have labeled it as “sportswashing” to divert attention from the country’s poor human rights record. Regardless of the motives behind the deal, the potential signing of Lionel Messi by the Saudi Pro League is set to break records and make headlines worldwide.
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