Saudi Arabian source close to negotiations makes huge claim on Lionel Messi's future amid Al-Hilal interest - Reports
Paris Saint-Germain superstar Lionel Messi's transfer to Saudi Arabia amidst interest from Al-Hilal is a done deal, according to Agence France-Presse.
The Argentinian icon faces an uncertain future with Les Parisiens as his contract ends in June. There have been suggestions that he is inclined towards leaving the club as a free agent this summer.
Talk of Messi leaving PSG gathered pace after he was suspended by the club for making an unsanctioned trip to Saudi Arabia last week. Fabrizio Romano reported that the forward is now certain to leave the Ligue 1 heavyweights this summer.
The 2022 FIFA World Cup winner has been linked with a move back to Barcelona, while Major League Soccer outfit Inter Miami are also interested in him. Al-Hilal, though, are the only club to have made a concrete offer for Messi so far.
Al-Hilal are prepared to bend over backwards to lure the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner to Saudi Arabia. Meanwhile, it was said that Messi is not sold on the idea of moving to the Middle East due to concerns about the culture there.
It now appears the country has finally convinced the PSG superstar to change his mind. According to the aforementioned source, the 35-year-old will play in Saudi Arabia next season.
A source close to the negotiations told AFP that Messi's transfer to Saudi Arabia is 'a done deal.' The club for which the Argentinian will play has not been identified, although it is assumed to be Al-Hilal. The finances involved in the deal have also not been revealed, but the contract is 'huge,' as per the report.
PSG remained coy about Messi's situation when contacted by AFP for comment. The French giants reportedly pointed out the fact that the forward's contract with them runs until June 30.
Barcelona set to miss out on Lionel Messi
Barcelona are keen to re-sign Lionel Messi, having reluctantly let go of him in 2021. The superstar notably left the Camp Nou two years ago as the Blaugrana could no longer afford his wages.
The La Liga giants have reportedly been working to resolve their financial issues to re-sign Lionel Messi. However, the time has run out for Xavi Hernandez's side as the forward appears to be moving to Saudi Arabia. Inter Miami's hopes of signing the megastar are also set to come crashing down.
If reports are to be believed, Lionel Messi will end his two-year stint with PSG this summer. He has made 71 appearances across competitions for the Parisians since joining them in 2021, bagging 31 goals and 34 assists.