In what could be one of many greatest offers ever seen in sporting historical past, the Saudi Arabian authorities is reportedly in talks with Lionel Messi’s representatives to convey him to the Saudi Pro League.
The Telegraph studies Messi’s father, Jorge, is main discussions with the Saudi authorities over the potential change.
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The Argentinian celebrity’s contract with European heavyweights Paris Saint-Germain expires on the finish of the 2022/23 season and the Saudi authorities is ready to pounce.
The report claims the general monetary package deal for Messi could be price an eye-watering $AUD602 million yearly, eclipsing longtime rival Cristiano Ronaldo’s annual wage of $310 million with Al-Nassr.
Messi’s potential transfer to the Saudi Pro League would reignite his rivalry with Ronaldo which dominated world soccer when the pair have been at Barcelona and Real Madrid respectively.
Lionel Messi could possibly be off to the Saudi Pro League. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP)Source: AFP
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The World Cup winner appeared set to increase his take care of PSG, nevertheless a latest unsanctioned journey to Saudi Arabia has all however confirmed he gained’t be signing on.
Messi is an envoy for the Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) and paid a go to to honour his contractual obligations, however he didn’t obtain permission from PSG to make the journey.
The French membership subsequently fined him two weeks wages and suspended him for a similar period of time.
Should Saudi Arabia be capable to woo Messi and safe his signature for a Saudi Pro League staff, it might be an enormous coup that will get them one over Qatar amid simmering tensions within the Middle East as Qatar additionally owns PSG through the Qatar Sports Investment Vehicle.
It would even be one other energy play by Saudi Arabia as they put together a bid to host the FIFA World Cup in 2030.