Paris (AP) – After Cristiano Ronaldo, world champion Lionel Messi should also earn his money in Saudi Arabia in the future – even more than the superstar from Portugal.
Several international media outlets picked up a tweet from transfer expert Fabrizio Romano claiming that Al-Hilal had already made an offer to Messi. With this, the Argentine could allegedly earn more than 400 million euros a year.
In addition to the British newspaper “Sun” and the US magazine “Forbes”, the French “RMC Sport” also got involved. The “Saudi Gazette” also reported on an offer to the 35-year-old, citing its own sources. However: Romano also wrote that Messi’s absolute priority is to continue his career in Europe, but the current offer from Paris Saint-Germain is unacceptable for Messi. The sticking point is sporting guarantees.
The Argentine world champion’s contract with PSG ends after this season. He moved to the Seine from his heart club FC Barcelona in the summer of 2021. Barca are also considered to be interested in Messi, but the Catalans’ financial situation is tense.
Remaining at PSG unlikely
According to French media reports, another season of Messi at PSG seems more and more questionable. The negotiations have not failed completely in the past few weeks, wrote “L’Équipe”. “But on both sides the chances of an agreement are decreasing.” The article was headlined: “Lionel Messi and PSG on the verge of divorce.”
According to the current status, the 35-year-old world champion from Argentina can leave the club free of charge after this season. Messi’s two-year contract will then expire. He switched from FC Barcelona to PSG in the summer of 2021 after the heavily indebted club simply could no longer afford Messi. Recently, however, the offensive artist’s heart club confirmed that they were in contact with the Messi faction for a possible return.
According to “L’Équipe”, Messi’s father and manager Jorge and PSG boss Nasser al-Khelaifi loosely agreed on a continuation during the World Cup in Qatar last November, but did not specify the details. “Five months later, the world champion and the club from the capital are on the verge of the end of the adventure,” wrote the sports newspaper. PSG is said to want to cut Messi’s salary by a quarter, as “L’Équipe” further reported.
However, the renewed whistles from PSG fans against Messi in the recent home defeat against Olympique Lyon should also influence the world champion’s decision. “Argentina is concerned about the treatment of Messi,” wrote broadcaster RMC Sport.
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