Abdullah Hamad, the CEO of the Mahd Academy, revealed new details about the Argentine star Lionel Messi's failure to join the Saudi league, confirming that the decision was purely Saudi and not due to the player.

Hamad explained during his appearance on the 'Socrates Podcast' via 'Radio Thamaniya' that the kingdom did not want the local league to be merely a preparation station for the player before his international commitments, which led to the early closure of the contract file.

He indicated that the idea of having Messi was part of a project aimed at developing youth categories through a partnership with the Mahd Academy, but the discussions did not reach a formal negotiation stage, despite the player's desire to prepare for the 2026 World Cup during the approximately four-month break in the American league.

Hamad added that Prince Abdulaziz bin Faisal, the Minister of Sports, rejected the idea, stating that the Saudi league would not be a preparation platform for Messi, pointing out that the decision was clear from the beginning and explicit in preserving the identity of local competition.

Hamad touched on the difference between Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, noting that the Argentine star had conditions related to concluding his career with Barcelona and having a group of friends around him, which made the deal complicated and difficult to execute.

In contrast, he confirmed that Ronaldo approached his transfer to Saudi Arabia as a new challenge and an opportunity to achieve titles in a different environment, which facilitated his entry into the sports experience in the kingdom with an enthusiastic and open mindset.

Hamad also pointed out that the offer that was presented to Messi was very attractive, but the circumstances and personal desires of the player, along with the directions of Saudi sports, caused the deal to halt before it actually commenced.