Football icon Lionel Messi, the esteemed captain of Argentina and reigning world champions, is on the verge of signing a transfer contract with Al-Hilal Club in Riyadh. The highly anticipated deal will be formalized in Paris, in the presence of Al-Hilal Club officials who are currently in the French capital, according to well-informed sources reported by Okaz/Saudi Gazette. This news comes just one day after Messi’s official announcement of his departure from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).
Insiders suggest that Messi, the seven-time Ballon d’Or recipient, is expected to travel to Riyadh within the next 48 hours to prepare for the official announcement of the deal upon his arrival in the Saudi capital. The specific terms of the contract, including the deal’s value and Messi’s salary, have yet to be finalized, as per the sources.
Earlier reports indicated that the Argentine superstar had been considering a monumental $400 million-per-year offer from the Riyadh club following his departure from PSG this month. If the deal materializes, it would make Messi the highest-paid athlete in the world, surpassing the earnings of Cristiano Ronaldo, who joined Al-Nassr Club in January of this year. Having both Messi and Ronaldo playing in Saudi Arabia’s professional league tournaments would be a significant boost for football in the country, elevating its stature on the global stage.
Meanwhile, Messi confirmed his exit from PSG on Saturday, expressing gratitude for his time with the club. In an interview with ESPN, Messi stated, “I am happy to have been able to represent PSG. I really enjoyed playing for this team and alongside such talented players. I want to thank the club for a wonderful experience in Paris.”
Messi’s remarks followed an announcement by transfer market expert Fabrizio Romano, who reported that Messi’s father and business agent, Jorge Horatio Messi, had informed PSG that they would be seeking new opportunities once his contract expired on June 30. PSG coach Christophe Galtier had also confirmed Messi’s departure from the club on Thursday. Additionally, PSG announced on Friday that Sergio Ramos would be leaving at the end of the season.
It is worth noting that Okaz/Saudi Gazette previously published an exclusive report on March 14, highlighting Jorge Messi’s visit to Saudi Arabia to arrange accommodation for his son in the capital city. Messi currently serves as a tourism ambassador for Saudi Arabia.
Last month, Messi made an unauthorized visit to Riyadh, which played a role in expediting his departure from PSG. During his visit, Messi, accompanied by his wife Antonela Roccuzzo and their children Ciro and Mateo, was captured enjoying various attractions in Riyadh and Diriyah.
The impending transfer of Lionel Messi to Al-Hilal Club marks a momentous chapter in Saudi Arabian football, further solidifying the country’s ambition to host top-tier talent and raise the profile of its professional league. Football enthusiasts worldwide eagerly await the official confirmation of this significant move in the world of football.
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