Lionel Messi’s record-breaking move to Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia is reportedly a “done deal”, with the Argentine set to be reunited with Cristiano Ronaldo.
The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner has generated intense speculation regarding his future intentions after opting against a new deal at Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain. With those terms running down, Messi is set to hit free agency this summer.
The 2022 World Cup winner has been linked with a retracing of steps to Barcelona, but financial struggles at Camp Nou have made an emotional return to a spiritual home difficult.
A move to MLS has also been mooted for the all-time great, with David Beckham co-owned Inter Miami said to be keen, but a switch to America also appears to have been ruled out.
That is because AFP reports that Messi has agreed a switch to the Middle East. There has been talk of a £400 million ($505m) deal being readied for him by Al-Hilal – with that contract set to see him edge back ahead of eternal rival Ronaldo as the highest-paid player on the planet.
Lionel Messi is set to join Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia after opting against a new deal at Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain. The Argentine is expected to complete the move this summer.
