Rumors have surfaced that Lionel Messi could soon go to play in Saudi Arabia. Reports even suggest that the player’s father is currently in the Middle Eastern country for talks about a move. Jorge Messi, Leo’s father, is the superstar’s agent.
The Daily Mail claims that Al-Hilal is willing to offer Messi almost $300 million per season to join the club. Obviously, this would dwarf his current contract with Paris Saint-Germain at the moment. Messi’s contract with PSG will also expire in June.
Star’s future is still up in the air
Despite suggestions that Messi has already agreed an extension with the Parisian club, L’Equipe claims the star has yet to sign anything. Al-Hilal would be one of the many clubs that would want Messi if he does not re-sign with PSG.
Along with teams PSG and Major League Soccer, it’s no secret that his former team Barcelona would love to have him back as well. The team president, Joan Laporta, announced that a reunion could be possible.
“It is obvious that as president of Barcelona I would like him to return to Barça one day. I would love that,” Laporta explained to Barça TV last month. “Messi has just won the World Cup, Barça is delighted with that, but what I don’t want is to generate expectations. [for something] That is very difficult right now.”
“I am convinced that he has Barça in his heart and supports the club. He will always be linked to Barça”, Laporta continued. “If he comes back or not as a player? He himself is now a PSG player. We’d really like to see him come back, but we’ll see.”
Saudi Arabia’s move could reignite Messi vs. ronaldo
However, the Saudi offer could be hard to refuse. Cristiano Ronaldo recently joined Al-Nassr on a huge two and a half year contract. A possible reunion of the rivalry between the two superstars would certainly be interesting. Messi and Ronaldo faced each other for nine seasons while both were in Spain.
Messi recently returned to Paris following his World Cup triumph with Argentina. Unsurprisingly, the star scored for the Parisians on Wednesday in his first game back for the club.
PHOTO: IMAGO/Xinhua
