Egypt Director Warns Salah Against MLS Move: 'You'll Fade Like Messi Did'

Egypt's national team director Ibrahim Hassan has delivered a stark warning to Mohamed Salah about the perils of joining Major League Soccer, suggesting the Liverpool superstar would suffer the same visibility decline that befell Lionel Messi after his move to Inter Miami.

Salah faces a crucial decision about his next destination following confirmation that his nine-year Liverpool tenure will conclude at season's end. The 33-year-old forward has enjoyed tremendous success at Anfield, capturing two Premier League titles and the Champions League while establishing himself among football's elite performers.

MLS commissioner Don Garber has publicly expressed his desire to bring Salah to American soccer, though no specific teams have emerged as concrete suitors for the Egyptian icon. However, Hassan strongly discouraged such a move, arguing that MLS would diminish Salah's global profile significantly.

"I would prefer him to stay in Europe," Hassan told On Sport. "I have heard about offers from Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich and clubs in the Italian league. A move to MLS? He would be far too out of the spotlight. You won't remember Salah any more than I remember Messi now; I don't even try to watch him."

Hassan's comparison to Messi proves particularly pointed given the Argentine's trajectory since joining Inter Miami in 2023. Despite Messi's immediate impact as the club's all-time leading scorer and his recent World Cup triumph with Argentina, Hassan suggests the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner has faded from global consciousness since leaving European football.

The comments reflect broader concerns about MLS's ability to maintain international relevance for superstar players transitioning from Europe's elite competitions. While the league has attracted numerous high-profile signings in recent years, questions persist about whether American soccer can provide the global platform that established stars require.

Hassan offered alternative suggestions for Salah's future, indicating that European opportunities remain the preferred path. Reports suggest interest from Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich, and various Italian clubs, providing potential avenues for continued top-level competition.

Should European options prove unavailable, Hassan endorsed the Saudi Pro League as a viable alternative for Salah. "If he does not receive offers from Europe, then a move to the Saudi league would be a good option, especially with big names such as Cristiano [Ronaldo]," he explained.

The Saudi recommendation reflects the kingdom's aggressive recruitment of global stars, with Cristiano Ronaldo's high-profile move to Al Nassr demonstrating the league's ambitions and financial capabilities. Saudi Arabia's continued investment in football talent has created legitimate alternatives to traditional European destinations.

Hassan's influence carries additional weight given his family connections to Egyptian football. As twin brother of Egypt's head coach Hossam Hassan, his opinions likely reflect broader sentiment within the national team setup about maintaining Salah's international profile.

Currently sidelined by injury, Salah has withdrawn from Egypt's training camp as they prepare for upcoming World Cup fixtures. The seven-time African champions face Spain in a Barcelona friendly Tuesday following their 4-0 victory over Saudi Arabia in Jeddah on Friday.

Egypt's World Cup preparations include managing Group G challenges against Belgium, New Zealand, and Iran. Salah's fitness and club situation will significantly impact their tournament prospects, making his destination decision crucial for national team planning.

The timing of Hassan's comments suggests Egyptian officials want clarity about Salah's future before major international competitions. His next move will influence not only his individual legacy but also Egypt's strategic planning for crucial upcoming matches.

As speculation intensifies about Salah's destination, Hassan's warning about MLS visibility provides perspective on how career decisions affect global footballing legacies. Whether Salah heeds this advice or pursues American opportunities remains one of this summer's most intriguing transfer sagas.

The debate highlights fundamental questions about modern football's global reach and whether leagues outside Europe can maintain superstar relevance in an increasingly connected sporting world.