According to reports, Lionel Messi may be in talks for a move to Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal for a record-breaking $400M salary per year. The forward, who has won the World Cup, is expected to depart his current team, PSG, in France during the upcoming summer transfer window. Recently, Messi and his family visited Saudi Arabia, fueling rumors of a potential move.
Lionel Messi, a seven-time Ballon D’Or winner, was suspended by his current club, PSG, for two weeks after he traveled to Saudi Arabia without permission. Reports from French media suggest that PSG will not renew Messi’s contract when it expires in the summer, effectively making him a free agent who can choose to accept any offer, according to Arabian Business.
Many have speculated about a possible return to Barcelona for Messi, with all parties, including the club, player, and fans, expressing willingness. However, there are concerns about whether Barcelona can afford to pay his wages without support from La Liga.
If Messi decides to step away from the main European leagues, another option could be Inter Miami in the US Major League Soccer League. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia is considered a top contender to sign the football icon, given the ambition and audacity of the football scene in the country. Cristiano Ronaldo’s recent move to Al Nassr in January serves as an example of this trend.
Last month, Messi’s father and agent, Jorge, was seen in Saudi Arabia, indicating that talks are underway to bring the 35-year-old footballer to the country. If the negotiations prove successful, Messi’s salary could reach an unprecedented $400M per year until the end of the 2025 season, surpassing the current world record of $212M a year paid to Cristiano Ronaldo.
A potential move to Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia would revive one of the greatest football rivalries of any generation, which is exciting news for football fans.
The rivalry between Messi and Ronaldo has been a hot topic of sporting debates worldwide, as the two forwards dominated the sport by winning trophies, picking up awards, and setting scoring records while playing for Barcelona and Madrid during their prime. To lead negotiations on behalf of the Saudi Pro League, the country has enlisted the services of a former Manchester City chief executive.
