WATCH: ‘What I love about Saudi’ – Lionel Messi breaks down barriers despite snubbing switch to join Cristiano Ronaldo in the Middle East in favour of MLS move to Inter Miami

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner had various options to consider when reaching the end of his contract at Paris Saint-Germain in 2023. The ex-Barcelona superstar became a free agent and was approached by teams from the Saudi Pro League.

Messi decided to go chasing the American dream instead, as he moved his family to Florida, and has made an immediate impact on and off the pitch in the United States. He is readying himself for the start of the 2024 campaign and is in the Middle East for Riyadh Cup outings against Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr.

Messi is an ambassador for Saudi Arabia, despite playing his club football on the other side of the world, and has starred in a promotional video which intends to challenge common misconceptions by smashing through metaphorical ‘walls’.

There is every chance that Messi will soon be reunited with his eternal rival Cristiano Ronaldo – who is plying his trade in the Middle East – with the Portuguese icon hoping to shake off an injury in time to line up for Al-Nassr against Inter Miami on February 1.