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Lionel Messi is reportedly on the verge of agreeing a record-breaking deal that will see him join Cristiano Ronaldo in the Middle East when his contract with PSG expires this summer.
Lionel Messi is reportedly on the verge of a record-breaking move to Saudi Arabia from Paris Saint Germain this summer, according to reports in France.
Reports today revealed that the 35-year-old Argentine playmaker is set to sign a contract worth £522million at Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal, as per AFP.
Messi who was recently suspended by PSG for 2 weeks without pay after an unauthorised trip to Saudi Arabia could now be set for a sensational switch to the Middle East once his current contract in France runs out this June.
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The Argentine skipper has already tendered a public apology to the club and is understood to have returned to first team training according to reports on Monday.
As speculations continue to grow over Messi’s future, here are the key things you need to know about Messi’s reported deal with Saudi Arabia side Al Hilal.
7 Facts you should know about Lionel Messi’s reported £522 million move to Saudi Arabia
1. Lionel Messi could break Cristiano Ronaldo’s record to become the Highest-paid footballer of all time
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For one, Messi’s rumoured move to Saudi Arabia will no doubt reignite his rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo, who also plays for Al-Hilal's rivals Al-Nassr.
Ronaldo sealed a record-breaking £175 million-a-year contract with Saudi league giants Al-Nassr in December.
However, the 38-year-old Portuguese superstar could now see his mega-money deal toppled by Lionel Messi’s reported £522million contract at Al Hilal.
2. Lionel Messi is already a Saudi Arabia ambassador
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The primary reason why Lionel Messi was suspended by PSG last week was because he was on ambassadorial duties in the Middle East.
Pulse Sports reported that Messi had postponed his plans to travel to Saudi Arabia at least twice prior to his unauthorised trip last week.
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Messi’s current partnership for the promotion of tourism in Saudi Arabia for currently sees him earn €30 million from the Middle East.
3. Messi’s mega-money move to Saudi Arabia is still not confirmed
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Although multiple reports on Monday revealed that Messi has verbally agreed a switch to Saudi League giants Al Hilal.
It is not yet official that the 2022 World Cup champion has reached an agreement with the Saudi club.
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As mentioned earlier, AFP reports that a Saudi source revealed exclusively that Messi will be playing in the Gulf state this summer.
But neither the player nor the club have confirmed any agreement in principle.
4. For the 2nd time, Messi’s father has denied reports of an agreed mega-money switch to Saudi Arabia
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As at the time of this report, Lionel Messi’s father and agent, Jorge Messi, has already denied all claims linking the 7-time Ballon d’Or winner to a mega-money switch to Saudi Arabia.
A statement from Jorge Messi today as translated from Spanish to English read:
There is absolutely nothing with any club for the year he's coming. The decision will never be made before Lionel finished the league with PSG.
Once the season is over it will be time to analyze 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 no one.
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Neither verbally, nor signed, nor agreed, and there will be no until the season is over. It seems to me a lack of respect towards the media where they answer, that there are those who deceive in a consciously and deliberately, without providing any evidence of their affirmations, and wanting to transform into news any malicious rumor or that it is directed by someone in their interests.
‘They would have to explain why the information is not contrasted...No they will want a truth to ruin their "news".
5. Odion Ighalo could become the first Nigerian to play alongside Lionel Messi
Super Eagles of Nigeria striker Odion Ighalo could find himself playing alongside Argentina skipper Lionel Messi next season, should the Alibiceleste leader complete the switch to Saudi Arabia next season.
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Ighalo’s Al Hilal is currently working to bring the former Barcelona skipper to the Middle East.
The Argentine has so far shown that he is indeed open to a transfer to the Arabian state especially as it could benefit the league commercially as well.
6. Lionel Messi could become teammates with familiar foes
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Lionel Messi’s reported switch to Al Hilal could also see him become teammates with members of the Saudi Arabia team that stunned Argentina 2-1 at the opening Group C game at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Argentina surrendered a 1-0 first-half lead after goals from Salem Al Dawsari and Saleh Al Shehri in the second half under coach Harve Renard.
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Although Messi eventually led Argentina to lift the trophy in the finals against France, the diminutive maestro could now become teammates with both goalscorers for Saudi Arabia in their famous win against his country few months ago.
7. Messi’s Saudi Arabia deal is more feasible than a return to Barcelona
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Lionel Messi’s potential move to Saudi Arabia is far less complicated than a return to Barcelona.
The Argentine is believed to desire a return to his boyhood club, but Barcelona would need to appease LaLiga's Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules to make his move a reality.
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The Catalan giants who look set to win their 27th LaLiga title would also need to sell a couple of players to make way on the wage bill, while bearing in mind necessary player registrations that need to be made ahead of the new season.
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Lionel Messi would also be required to take an extremely significant pay-cut to return to the Spotify Camp Nou, a condition the Argentina international might not have issues fulfilling should he desire a return.
However, a switch to Saudi Arabia is far more straightforward with his reported suitors Al Hilal, needing not meet as many clauses to conclude his arrival as far as FFP is concerned.
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