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Despite deciding to make a move to Major League Soccer in the US rather than a lucrative US$400m a year move to Al Hilal in the Saudi Pro League, footballing icon Lionel Messi will still act as a major promotional tool for Saudi Arabia and its tourism prospects.
Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 14 Jun 2023
Despite deciding to make a move to Major League Soccer in the US rather than a lucrative US$400m a year move to Al Hilal in the Saudi Pro League, footballing icon Lionel Messi will still act as a major promotional tool for Saudi Arabia and its tourism prospects.
Considered to be one of the greatest football players of all time, Messi’s controversial relationship with the kingdom is set to continue, acting as a tourism ambassador for Visit Saudi in a role he has held since May 2022.
“We are excited for you to explore the treasure of the Red Sea, the Jeddah Season 2022, and our ancient history,” said Saudi tourism minister, Ahmed al-Khateeb, who welcomed him at the time. “This is not his first visit to the Kingdom, and it will not be the last.”
Messi earns US$33m a year for his role as a tourism ambassador to Saudi Arabia.
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