"Al Hilal's staggering offer to Lionel Messi leaves him unfazed: A fabulous amount met with indifference."
Months later, the echoes of Messi's refusal to join Al Hilal linger, with occasional leaks from the negotiation scenes.
Amid Messi's rejection of Al Hilal's offer and his choice to join Inter Miami, a hidden 'fairy tale offer' unveiled by journalist Guillem Balague sheds new light on the Saudi club's pursuit.
Balaji revealed to 'caughtoffside' that Al-Hilal made a million-dollar-per-year offer to sway Lionel Messi to their first team. Negotiated in Paris as Messi's PSG contract neared its end, this lavish proposal failed to pique Messi's interest, as he eventually opted for Inter Miami.
Notably, Messi's stint with the American team proved fruitful, tallying 11 goals and 5 assists across 14 matches in diverse competitions, culminating in securing the League Cup title.