Messi's team deny agreement, will make decision at the end of the season

The official spokesperson representing Leo Messi insisted once again to 'EFE' that the star's future won't be decided until the end of the season, as the Argentinian's departure from PSG continues making headlines in and out of France.

The theoretical departure of the star to sign for Saudi side Al-Hilal has been gaining momentum, according to several media outlets, even as his team continue to express the unhappiness this causes the footballer. 'L'Equipe' online claim the the striker has a verbal agreement with Saudi Arabia, but nothing signed for the moment, as the player doesn't want to before the end of the season. 

Citing the Argentinian's team, the agreement would include two years under contract with another one optional, for a sum of 500 million euros a year, two and a half times more than the agreement signed by Cristiano Ronaldo. If other bonuses are added, Messi could bag somewhere in the region of 600 million euros.

'L'Equipe' added, citing close sources, that Messi, who turns 36 next month, wants to stay fit to compete in the Copa America 2024, and hopefully the World Cup in 2026, which would likely mean him staying to play with a European club. Nothing decided, in short.

Barcelona in the wings

For Barcelona, who are in the running to bring back the striker from Rosario, time is of the essence, as La Liga will decide next week whether it accepts the Spanish side's plans to bring themselves in line with 'Financial Fair Play' rules and allow them to make new additions in the summer transfer window.

For those in the Camp Nou offices, no surprises came with the rumours of a possible agreement reached between Al-Hilal and the Argentinian international, with figures available only to the richest clubs, that reported at least 400 million for the number '10' - putting him well out of reach of Barca.

In fact, last week Messi visited Saudi Arabia with his children, to make good on an agreement with the Saudi office of tourism. An ambassador of the country, his visit created all kinds of speculation about his future, as well as a fine from PSG for missing training without an agreement. 

The hypothetical arrival in the Middle East would also most likely lead to the departure of Sergio Busquets, Barcelona's captain and close friend to Messi. The midfielder from Badia del Valles, 34 years old, is out of contract at the end of next June and has an offer of renewal from the Spanish club.

Everything seems to indicate that he would follow in his teammate's footsteps. Despite rumours of a move to Saudi Arabia, from the French press and the international scene now too, those closest to Messi continue to insist that no decision has been made yet. 

Now on an Instagram story, Messi's father has stated, "There is no agreement at all with any club for next year. There is no way that decision will be taken until Lionel finishes his season with PSG"

Whether it's decided now or in June, if Messi moves to the Saudi club, it could reignite the rivalry between the Argentinian and Cristiano Ronaldo, one at Al-Hilal, the other at Al Nassr - bringing the battle to the Persian Gulf. 

 

May 9, 2023