After his fine by Paris Saint-Germain, it was known that the future of Lionel Messi was taking shape away from the Parc des Princes, at the end of his contract, on June 30. According to a Saudi source interviewed by AFP, the fate of the seven-time winner of the Ballon d'Or is sealed. It's "a done deal. He will play in Saudi Arabia," said the informant, who wished to remain anonymous. "The contract is exceptional. It is huge. We are finalizing some more details. »
If the name of the club has not filtered, several media have evoked in recent days the existence of a mirobolant offer of Al-Hilal, valued at 400 million euros per year to bring Messi and recreate the rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo, landed this winter at Al-Nassr.
Faster discussions than with Ronaldo
"The negotiations did not take as long as with Ronaldo," the Saudi source said, adding that as for the latter, the financial package came from the Saudi sovereign wealth fund (PIF). The Portuguese striker's sensational contract in Saudi Arabia, estimated at 400 million euros until June 2025, has made him the world's highest-paid sportsman in 2023, according to Forbes' annual ranking.
Already under contract with the Saudi tourist office, Messi should not make his return to FC Barcelona, as hoped for Catalan leaders and supporters, nor join Inter Miami in MLS, another destination mentioned for the striker, who will celebrate his 36th birthday on June 24.
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