Lionel Messi ‘receives gigantic Saudi offer’ that would see him dwarf Cristiano Ronaldo | Football | Sport
Lionel Messi has reportedly been sent a very lucrative offer from the Middle East that would see him reignite the rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia. The Portuguese striker made the move to Al Nassr after his Manchester United contract was torn up, as he was paid a large sum of money in order to compete in the Saudi Pro League.
However, Al Nassr’s rivals Al-Hilal intend on making a similar move by bringing the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi to their club with an enormous contract offer. The 35-year-old looks set to depart from Paris Saint-Germain this summer, as he would be able to move on a free transfer at the end of the season when his contract expires.
PSG reportedly want one of Messi, Neymar and Lionel Messi to leave the Ligue 1 side in the summer and the Argentine has been deemed the most expendable player. There was thought to be an understanding which would see Messi remain at PSG beyond this season, as he has an option to extend while discussions were underway regarding an extension.
However, after his name was whistled by PSG fans before their recent 1-0 defeat to Lyon, recent reports suggested that a departure from the club is likely – and Al-Hilal have submitted an offer to the World Cup winner.
Fabrizio Romano has claimed that the Saudi Arabian giants have offered Messi over £350million-a-year to compete against Ronaldo, which engulfs the fee that the former United star was handed to move to the region.
Reports had claimed that Ronaldo was given approximately £173m a year in order to move to Al Nassr, as Messi could be earning twice as much as his former rival. However, whether Messi will take up the huge contract remains to be seen as the report suggests that his priority is in fact to remain in Europe.
Barcelona have publicly stated their desire to bring Messi back to Spain, though their financial concerns may hamper a potential bid – especially if they have to come close to Al-Hilal’s offer. The Catalan giant’s Financial Fair Play issues are so substantial that they have been unable to hand Gavi a professional contract, as the league ruled that he is still on the terms of his youth deal.
It means that as his youth contract was due to expire this summer, he could leave for free at the end of the season as several Premier League clubs are said to be interested in the Spanish star.
Whether Messi wishes to return to a chaotic Barcelona is yet to be determined, though he has previously been courted by David Beckham-owned Inter Miami and many European teams may not be able to match his salary demands – forcing him to move outside of the continent despite his wishes.
