Failed Lionel Messi transfer led to Saudi exit for former Manchester United striker Odion Ighalo

Former Manchester United striker Odion Ighalo says he was “shocked” to see Lionel Messi sign for Inter Miani after Saudi outfit Al-Hilal refused to extend his contract in anticipation of the Argentine’s arrival.

Messi scored a stoppage-time free-kick on his Miami debut on Saturday after signing the most lucrative deal in MLS history earlier this month. The 36-year-old has been strongly linked with Al-Hilal before an apparent U-turn saw him head Stateside.

Ighalo finished as the third-highest scorer in the Saudi Pro League last season, netting 19 times as his club finished third in the table. However, he was told his stay at the club would not be extended amid reports of Messi’s potential arrival.

Ex-Reds player Ighalo, now without a club, has explained how he was stunned to see Messi sign for Miami when he had been told that his expected arrival in Saudi was partly why he was shown the door.

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“I’m shocked [Lionel] Messi didn’t go to Saudi Arabia because it was part of why my contract was not being extended,” he told journalist Oma Akatugba. "I thought it was a done deal.

“The money they were offering him in Saudi [Arabia] was crazy. He was going to earn twice what [Cristiano] Ronaldo was earning. I was shocked he didn’t go there. He chose Miami."

Saudi Arabia has seen an influx of European talent thanks to rocketing investment. The country’s Public Investment Fund [PIF, owners of Newcastle United] bought out the nation’s top four clubs in June, giving them access to vast wealth.

The likes of Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kante and Ruben Neves