Lionel Messi rumors swirl about transfer to Saudi Arabia

Rumors have surfaced that Lionel Messi could soon be heading to play in Saudi Arabia. Reports even suggest that the player’s father is currently in the Middle Eastern country over talks about a move. Jorge Messi, Leo’s dad, is the superstar’s agent.

The Daily Mail claims that Al-Hilal are willing to offer Messi nearly $300 million per season to join the club. This would obviously dwarf his current contract with Paris Saint-Germain at the moment. Messi’s deal with PSG is also set to expire in June.

Star’s future still up in the air

Despite suggestions that Messi has already agreed to an extension with the Parisian club, L’Equipe is claiming that the star has not signed anything just yet. Al-Hilal would be one of many clubs to want Messi should he not re-sign with PSG.

Along with PSG and Major League Soccer teams, there’s no secret that his former team, Barcelona, would also love to take him back. Team president Joan Laporta made it known that a reunion could be possible.

“It’s obvious that as Barcelona’s president I would like him to return one day to Barca. I would love that,” Laporta explained to Barca TV last month. “Messi just won the World Cup, Barca are delighted about that, but what I don’t want is to generate expectations [for something] that at the moment is hugely difficult.”

“I am convinced he has Barca in his heart and he supports the club. He will always be linked to Barca,” Laporta continued. “If he returns or not as a player? Right now he is a PSG player. We would really like it if he returned but we will see.”

Saudi Arabia move could reignite Messi vs. Ronaldo

However, the Saudi offer could be difficult to turn down. Cristiano Ronaldo recently joined Al-Nassr in a huge two-and-a-half year deal. A possible reunion of the rivalry between the two superstars would certainly be interesting. Messi and Ronaldo faced off against each other for nine seasons while both were in Spain.

Messi recently returned to Paris following his World Cup triumph with Argentina. The star predictably scored for the Parisians on Wednesday in his first game back with the club.

PHOTO: IMAGO / Xinhua