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Reigning World footballer of the year and recent world cup winner Lionel Messi’s sensational big-money move to Saudi Arabia from Paris Saint-Germain this summer is a ‘done deal’, according to reports in France.
The Argentine Veteran Messi, 35, widely seen as the world’s best ever footballer, will sign a massive contract worth £522million at Saudi side Al-Hilal despite the reported concerns of his wife Antonela Roccuzzo.
The move will see him reignite his rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo, who plays for Al-Hilal’s rivals Al-Nassr in the controversial Gulf state.
Lionel Messi’s sensational big-money move to Saudi Arabia from Paris Saint-Germain this summer is a ‘done deal’, according to reports in France.
Veteran Messi, 35, widely seen as the world’s best footballer, will sign a massive contract worth £522million at Saudi side Al-Hilal despite the reported concerns of his wife Antonela Roccuzzo.
The move will see him reignite his rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo, who plays for Al-Hilal’s rivals Al-Nassr in the controversial Gulf state.
PSG did not make a comment to AFP, other than restating that Messi’s contract lasts until June 30 this summer.
It was reported earlier on Tuesday that his wife Antonela ‘could not imagine’ moving their family to Saudi Arabia, in what remains a potential stumbling block to the move.
She is reportedly reluctant for the couple, along with their three young sons – Thiago, 10, Mateo, 7, and Ciro, 5 – to relocate to the Middle East and she would prefer to stay in Europe.
And Messi had reportedly been prepared to wait until the end of the season to make his decision after discussing his future with his family – but it now appears those concerns have been allayed, with Messi set to move to Saudi capital city Riyadh.
French outlet L’Equipe claim the offer on the table for Messi is a two-year deal with the option of a third, which would see the player turn 38 before it expires.
It was also said Messi himself would have preferred to stay in Europe, with the star reportedly keeping an eye on the financial situation at former club Barcelona.
But it now appears he has closed the door on a return to Spain.
Barcelona – where Messi played for most of his legendary career – must find around £175m to be able to register recruited players or players already on the books who they sign to new contract extensions.