“Lionel Messi Near Completion of Move to Saudi Arabian Football League for €500m Deal”

The AFP news agency quoted a source in the Kingdom as saying that the signature was “a done deal”. Only small details are still to be clarified. According to reports, 35-year-old Messi is set to rake in no less than €500m for a two-year deal. The Argentine is still under contract with Paris Saint-Germain until June 30th.

Offer from Al-Hilal?

Messi has been Saudi Arabia’s Tourism Ambassador for years. It has already been reported that the seven-time world footballer should have received an offer from Al-Hilal. As the person quoted by AFP noted, the future employer is still open. “It’s Saudi Arabia buying him, not a specific club. The money comes from one body – PIF,” he said. This is the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund.

Messi would become the highest earning sportsman. His longtime rival Cristiano Ronaldo received a reported 200 million euros per season after his transfer to Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia, making him the world’s top earner. The Portuguese signed in the Saudi Pro League until 2025.