Messi Leads 7 Other Argentines Who Rejected Saudi Arabia Moves

• Lionel Messi turned down a world-record offer from Al-Hilal earlier this year
• He joined MLS team Inter Miami instead and has helped turn things around
• Messi's compatriots have also turned down lucrative moves to Saudi Arabia

Lionel Messi is enjoying a flying start to life at Inter Miami. He has already won a trophy with the US franchise after rejecting what could have been a world-record salary offer from Al-Hilal.

The veteran has acknowledged he has been eased by winning the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and is enjoying football in the final days of his career, having achieved everything in the sport.

Sports Brief looks at eight Argentines who turned down lucrative offers from Saudi Arabia.

1. Lionel Messi

According to FourFourTwo, the Argentina captain turned down an offer worth $1.6 billion from Al-Hilal and opted for Inter Miami, where he is paid between $50 million and $60mil. He later explained this decision was made with his wife and children's best interests at heart.

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2. Rodrigo De Paul

His name had to follow Messi's because he is often called the veteran's 'bodyguard' - and just like his captain, he turned down a lucrative offer from Al-Ahli despite initial indications that he could move. He opted to stay at Atletico Madrid and fight for his place under compatriot, Diego Simeone.

3. Angel Di Maria

Di Maria spent one season at Juventus before mutually agreeing with the club to move on and seek challenges elsewhere. He claimed to have received offers from the Middle East but turned them down to return to his former club, Benfica, for a second spell.

4. Nicolas Otamendi

The 35-year-old starred for Argentina at the 2022 World Cup, having redefined his career at Benfica after spending time with Premier League club, Manchester City. The performances alerted Saudi Arabian clubs to him this summer, but he has chosen to stay in Portugal.

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5. Cuti Romero

Tottenham Hotspur vice-captain, Romero, was also a mainstay of La Albiceleste's title heroics in Qatar, particularly heading the ball away after Emi Martinez made that Randal Kolo Muani save. He reportedly rejected offers from unnamed Saudi Pro League clubs.

6. Lautaro Martinez

Martinez led Inter Milan to the Champions League final as the captain last season. As reported by Football Italia, he confirmed he had received an offer worth €240mil from Saudi Arabia but turned it down to focus on the Nerazzurri.

7. Paulo Dybala

According to Roma Press, Dybala received multiple offers from the Gulf state, including Al-Hilal, but turned them down to stay in Rome, where the fans love him and he is Jose Mourinho's best attacker, despite fitness issues last season.

8. Leandro Paredes

Paredes was one of those who suffered from Paris Saint-Germain's mass exodus this summer, but instead of going to Saudi Arabia, he chose to return to his former club, AS Roma, and reunite with his national teammate, Dybala.

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Despite these South American stars rejecting offers from the rising Saudi Pro League, there are five Argentines in the league, including Ever Banega, as reported by TyC Sports.

Messi receives 'bodyguard' in Miami

Sports Brief also reported on De Paul joining Messi in Miami as the Argentina midfielder visited his national teammate and David Beckham at his new club.

The Atletico Madrid star was nicknamed Messi's bodyguard for their closeness on and off the pitch and for the way he defends the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner.