Lionel Messi to Reportedly Sign with Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal

Rabat – Argentine superstar Lionel Messi is on the verge of signing a deal with Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal, according to reports from Saudi media.

Saudi newspaper Okaz reported that the signing is “imminent,” adding that the football icon is expected to finalize his contract in Paris, where he currently lives, in the presence of a Saudi delegation.

Once the agreement is reached, Messi will then make his way to the Saudi capital Riyadh within the next 48 hours. The official announcement of the deal is anticipated to take place after Messi’s arrival in Riyadh, the report adds.

Although the financial terms of the contract, including the player’s salary, remain undisclosed at this stage, the footballing world is abuzz with speculation about the magnitude of the deal.

Okaz had previously reported that Jorge Horacio Messi, Lionel Messi’s father, and agent, arrived in Riyadh ahead of his son.

Messi’s contract with French club Paris Saint-Germain expires this summer, with the club having confirmed that the Argentine footballer will depart the club after this season.

The report also highlighted that Messi’s father had already visited his son’s potential place of residence in the capital in preparation for the move..

This impending transfer marks a significant milestone for both Al-Hilal and Saudi Arabian football. With Lionel Messi set to follow in the footsteps of his Portuguese counterpart Cristiano Ronaldo, who joined Al-Nassr during the previous winter transfer window, the Saudi league is attracting some of the biggest names in the sport.

Other big names that have been linked with the league include Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema and Spanish defender Sergio Ramos, as well FC Barcelona footballer Sergio Busquets.

Officials are hoping that the presence of global football stars not only enhances the reputation and competitiveness of the league but also contributes to the growth of football in the country, especially as the country bids to host the 2030 World Cup.

Messi also solves as the country’s global tourism ambassador, having recently sparked controversy when he skipped a PSG training session in favor of visiting Saudi Arabia as part of his duties.

The incident resulted in the Argentine’s suspension for two weeks, amid other clear signs that his time in Paris was over.