Saudi Arabia’s recruitment drive to land seven-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi has seen them offer a two-year contract worth €1billion (£887m), a new report has claimed.
Messi’s future at Paris Saint-Germain is under the microscope following a recent suspension for an unauthorised trip to Saudi Arabia for a commercial deal.
Despite dismissals of claims of a ‘done deal’ to take the Argentine star to Saudi Arabia, French newspaper L’Equipe have detailed how much the ‘exceptional’ offer on the table for Messi is worth.
L’Equipe claim it totals a staggering €1bn over two seasons, with the option of a third.
If he penned such a monstrous deal, it would be worth double what Cristiano Ronaldo is earning at Saudi side Al-Nassr.
The ‘exceptional’ offer being made available to Lionel Messi has been revealed in French media
The Argentine is currently a tourism ambassador for the controversial Middle Eastern nation
There remains some doubt as to whether Saudi Arabia appeals to Messi – and his wife – as he is said to be eager to stay in a competitive setting to continue at a high level for Argentina.
Copa America takes place in 2024 and the World Cup is in 2026, both of which may appeal if Messi can continue to maintain his fitness.
The report goes on to add that Messi ‘does not want to rush anything’, even with Saudi executives keen to ‘force his hand a little’ in order to secure the signature of both Ronaldo and Messi in their top league.
There was a flurry of activity on Tuesday after it was claimed Messi to Saudi Arabia was a ‘done deal’.
Jorge Messi, his father, released the statement after a Saudi source told AFP that the 35-year-old would be ‘playing in Saudi next season’ and that the move was a ‘done deal’.
Messi’s dad said: ‘There is absolutely nothing with any club for next year. The decision will never be made before Lionel finished the league with PSG.
‘Once the season is over it will be time to analyse and see what is there, and then make a decision.
‘There are always rumors and many use the name of Lionel to gain notoriety but the truth is only one and we can assure that there is nothing with anyone. Neither verbal, nor signed, nor agreed, and there will not be until the end of the season.
Messi’s father Jorge has shutdown claims a ‘deal with the Saudi side Al-Hilal is done’
‘It seems to me a lack of respect towards the media where they respond, that there are those who consciously and deliberately deceive, without providing any proof of their claims, and wanting to turn any malicious rumour into news or that is directed by someone in favor of their interests.
‘They would have to explain why they don’t contrast the information… They don’t want a truth to ruin their “news”.’
But there are also critics to the idea of Messi, considered by many to be the greatest footballer of all time, heading to Saudi Arabia.
During a debate on Ziggo Sport’s Rondo discussing Messi’s next move, Marco Van Basten said: ‘I think it’s poor. That you still have to go there for a lot of money.
‘You’ve earned plenty, go do things you like. I can’t imagine that. You are your own boss, aren’t you? You can play football wherever you want, right?’
Lionel Messi, wife Antonela Roccuzzo and sons Mateo and Ciro pose with horses during their recent visit to Saudi Arabia which led to the Argentine player being suspended by PSG
Messi poses with a falcon during his Saudi visit amid rumours he could play football there
Cristiano Ronaldo with his family in Saudi Arabia after he signed for Al-Nassr back in January
Ronaldo and his partner Georgina Rodriguez enjoy the sunshine in the Saudi capital
The Portuguese star, 38, is attempting to lead Al-Nassr to the Saudi Pro League title having signed for the club after his acrimonious departure from Manchester United
While Messi – and his family – prefer a move back to Barcelona, where he emerged from the academy ranks to become their greatest player, the Spanish club’s well-documented financial issues have proven to be a significant hurdle.
In order to register Messi’s contract with LaLiga, who run Spain’s top division, Barcelona needed to lose around €200m [£175m] from their existing wage bill.
If they re-signed Messi, who currently commands wages approaching £1m-a-week, they would have had to sell several existing big earners to stay within the league limits.
So while Barcelona fans were beginning to get excited that Messi’s two-week PSG suspension after an unsanctioned ambassadorial trip to Saudi could have led him back to the Nou Camp, it was never likely to become reality.
There was also interest from Inter Miami in the United States but in terms of pure financial incentive, the reported Saudi offers blows everyone else out the water.
The fallout marks the end of a lukewarm love affair between Messi and the Parisian club
Messi already has ties to the country. Last year, he agreed to a £25m-a-year deal to work as a tourism ambassador for the Saudis.
His visit with wife Antonela and their children Mateo, seven, and Ciro, five, last week saw them pose for a set of nice promotional pictures which the Saudis no doubt plan to use in their holiday brochures.
There were snaps of Messi with a falcon perched on his arm, playing board game Carrom, of the family learning the local craft of palm-weaving and everyone playing arcade games at a Riyadh amusement park.
The Saudi minister of tourism Ahmed Al Khateeb tweeted: ‘I am happy to welcome Messi and his family to Saudi to enjoy the magical tourist destinations and authentic experiences.
‘We welcome visitors from all around the world to experience a unique trip to Saudi Arabia and its hospitality.’
Messi and his son try out the board game Carrom during the promotional trip to Riyadh
The Messi family learned the art of palm-weaving during their Middle East trip this week
The family visited an amusement park in Riyadh as part of Messi’s ambassadorial role
Messi and his wife pose for pictures during their visit to Diriyah earlier this week
Trips to the petting zoo or excursions to Diriyah could become regular occurrences when they live in the kingdom and for an idea of the lifestyle, he only has to look at Ronaldo.
The 38-year-old Portuguese star signed for Al-Nassr at the beginning of the year having left Manchester United by mutual consent following his criticism of the club in an interview with Piers Morgan.
The 3,000ft suite, spread over two floors, offers sweeping views over the city and is so expensive there isn’t even a cost listed on the hotel’s website. Estimates put the cost of the bill for Ronaldo and his entourage at over £250,000.
The five-star hotel’s website boasts: ‘Entertain guests with unparalleled views of Riyadh. Our newest two-storey suite spans the 48th and 50th floors of the hotel, with a soaring living room, a private office, a dining room and a media room.’
Ronaldo and his family could enjoy ‘the best of dishes from China, Japan, India and the Middle East, with the freshest ingredients to order’ delivered directly to their room.
Cristiano Ronaldo and his family stayed at the Four Seasons hotel in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Messi and his family could certainly stay here until they find more permanent accommodation should they arrive over the summer.
Ronaldo, partner Georgina Rodriguez and their five children moved out of the hotel and into a new home in February, just in time for a visit from his mother Dolores Aveiro.
The new home is said to be in an exclusive compound with state-of-the-art security and all amenities such as gyms, shops and restaurants nearby. It is understood the family are renting the mansion.
Ronaldo and his family have also sampled some of the exclusive restaurants on offer in Riyadh, including Miyazo, which offers ‘contemporary Japanese cuisine driven by passion.’
He also shared a dinner of Lebanese food with Saudi minister of sports Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki al-Faisal in Diriyah.
We’ve also seen Ronaldo attend various events related to his newly-adopted country. He donned traditional dress and posed with a sword to mark the anniversary of the country’s foundation back in February.
