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Lionel Messi in talks over Saudi Arabia move?

Lionel Messi in talks over Saudi Arabia move?
© Reuters
The Saudi Arabian government reportedly open talks with Lionel Messi's representatives about a potential summer move.

Paris Saint-Germain forward Lionel Messi has reportedly held talks over a possible move to Saudi Arabia.

After leaving Barcelona in 2021 due to the club's financial situation, Messi put pen to paper on a two-year deal with PSG.

With his contract set to expire at the end of the season, there has been widespread speculation whether he would extend his stay or depart on a free transfer.

Following months of uncertainty, it has been revealed that PSG and Messi have decided to go their separate ways at the end of the season.

According to The Telegraph, talks are underway between Messi's representatives and the Saudi Arabian government over a potential switch to the Saudi Pro League.

Paris Saint-Germain's (PSG) Lionel Messi celebrates scoring their first goal on April 8, 2023© Reuters

The report claims that Messi could earn $400m (£320m) a year, which would surpass the £165m yearly wage that Cristiano Ronaldo is currently being paid at Al-Nassr.

As is common practice in the Saudi Pro League, prospective deals for high-profile players usually have state involvement before a final club is decided upon.

There is a belief that the 35-year-old would be placed at Al-Hilal, who are regarded as Al-Nassr's traditional rivals.

Messi already has links with the country in his role as an "ambassador" for the Saudi Tourism Authority (STA), which has made the headlines in recent days.

Lionel Messi in action for Paris Saint-Germain on November 2, 2022© Reuters

The Argentina international travelled to Saudi Arabia earlier this week to carry out his commitments as part of his STA contract.

The trip was unauthorised by PSG, and as a result, the club fined Messi two weeks' wages and suspended him for the same period.

Messi has also been linked with a return to Barcelona, who want to bring their club legend back to Camp Nou, but their ongoing financial issues could prove to be a stumbling block.

Inter Miami, meanwhile, are at the front of the queue should the World Cup winner decide to complete a move to MLS.

Messi has scored 31 goals and provided 34 assists in 71 appearances for PSG, but it remains to be seen whether he will play for the club again.

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Paris Saint-Germain's (PSG) Lionel Messi celebrates scoring their first goal on April 8, 2023
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