Saudi Tourism’s brand ambassador will arrive in March.

Things are about to get Messi. Legendary footballer, Lionel Messi, is coming to Saudi Arabia. Lionel is the brand ambassador for Saudi Tourism, and is scheduled to visit later in March.

Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khatib shared that Lionel will be visiting the country for a holiday. Al-Khatib posted on Twitter: “I am happy to welcome our Tourism Ambassador and his family and friends this month to enjoy our most beautiful tourism destinations, connect with our people and enjoy unique experiences!”

The news comes after Lionel led his home team, Argentina, to victory at FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. This isn’t Lionel’s first time in the Kingdom, as he has visited multiple times for football matches. He has played against Saudi Arabia’s national team in Riyadh, and against Atletico Madrid in Jeddah.

In 2022, Lionel was declared the brand ambassador, and made a visit to Jeddah’s sights and Jeddah Season. On Instagram, he shared images of himself with his friends at the Red Sea. Plus, in 2021, Lionel featured on promotional posters for Riyadh Season, and Cirque du Soleil created a special show celebrating the footballer for the festival.

Lionel isn’t the only world-famous footballer in Saudi Arabia. Recently, Cristiano Ronaldo moved to Riyadh, after signing for the country’s football team, Al Nassr. Cristiano and his family have been spotted around town, from the award-winning restaurant Clap to the five-star Four Season Hotel Riyadh.

If you want to make like Lionel, and be a tourist in Saudi Arabia, check out our itinerary for Riyadh.

Happy holiday, Lionel.  

GO: Visit www.visitsaudi.com for more information.