Media figure Saud Al-Sarami revealed a significant surprise, disclosing a private conversation he had with Al-Shabab Club President Khalid Al-Baltan about the idea of signing the legend Lionel Messi.

During his radio statements, Al-Sarami clarified that Al-Baltan sees signing Messi as a golden opportunity to boost investment in the club, emphasizing that having a star of his caliber would attract owners and investors.

Al-Sarami added that Al-Baltan was not far from signing the French star Karim Benzema, as he was the first to open negotiations with him before his move to Al-Ittihad Club.

He confirmed that negotiations between the two parties reached advanced stages, with Benzema's brother even coming to the Saudi capital Riyadh to finalize the arrangements.

However, despite the proximity of the deal, Benzema ultimately preferred to move to Al-Ittihad, causing Al-Shabab to miss a historic opportunity that would have created a major stir in the Roshan League.