Al-Ittihad president declares Messi as his only target.

Al-Ittihad’s pursuit of Lionel Messi has taken a dramatic turn after the club’s president made a bold public statement, insisting the Argentine icon is the only player he wants to sign. In comments that have reignited global transfer speculation, the president stressed that the ambition is not driven by money, but by a desire to bring what he called “the greatest player in football history” to Saudi Arabia. Al-Ittihad’s president holds a Lionel Messi jersey during a high-profile football meeting. The declaration underlines Al-Ittihad’s growing confidence and ambition as the Saudi Pro Leagu

Al-Ittihad’s pursuit of Lionel Messi has taken a dramatic turn after the club’s president made a bold public statement, insisting the Argentine icon is the only player he wants to sign. In comments that have reignited global transfer speculation, the president stressed that the ambition is not driven by money, but by a desire to bring what he called “the greatest player in football history” to Saudi Arabia.

Al-Ittihad’s president holds a Lionel Messi jersey during a high-profile football meeting.

The declaration underlines Al-Ittihad’s growing confidence and ambition as the Saudi Pro League continues to attract world-class talent. Club sources suggest Messi is viewed not just as a sporting asset, but as a transformative figure capable of elevating the league’s global profile and inspiring a new generation of fans.

The dream target: Lionel Messi, the only name on Al-Ittihad’s wish list.

While Messi remains contracted to Inter Miami and no formal agreement has been announced, the statement sends a clear message to rivals and supporters alike. Al-Ittihad are prepared to wait, negotiate, and do whatever it takes because, for their president, there is no alternative target.