The Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia is expected to acquire the Argentinian as its most recent prominent asset.
According to a source close to the discussions, Lionel Messi, the captain of the World Cup-winning team and widely recognized as one of the greatest players in history, is about to sign a “exceptional” contract to play for an undisclosed club in Saudi Arabia next season, according to news agency AFP.
Speaking under the condition of anonymity, the insider informed AFP that “Messi is a done deal.” He’ll play in Saudi Arabia the next year. The agreement is unique. It’s enormous. Just completing a few minor touches.
The Daily Mail, a daily published in the UK, reports that Messi would receive more than $650 million under the terms of his contract.
35-year-old When approached by AFP on Tuesday, Messi’s current club, French champions Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), declined to confirm or refute the allegations, stating only that the star is still under contract in Paris till June 30. After making an unapproved trip to Saudi Arabia last week, Messi, a tourist ambassador for the country, was temporarily suspended by PSG.
If the club had intended to renew his contract, it would have been done sooner, a second PSG insider informed the news agency. Following a loss to Lyon at home last month, PSG supporters jeered Messi, who has 31 goals in 71 outings for the Parisians.
Cristiano Ronaldo, a longtime adversary of Messi’s, recently signed a two-year contract with Saudi Pro League team Al Nassr, reportedly worth $213 million annually. With Messi’s anticipated arrival in the kingdom, the two will once again compete against one another. Ronaldo became the best paid athlete in the world thanks to the contract, which is valid through June 2025, according to Forbes.
“The negotiations took less time than those with Ronaldo. Since we now know how to sign world-class players, the insider told AFP. “Saudi Arabia, not a specific club, brought him. The Public Investment Fund is the only source of the funding.
Ronaldo’s and Messi’s contracts, if and when they are finalized, are mostly funded by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, which is thought to have assets worth more than $600 billion. Among other sporting initiatives, the fund has also supported investments in Newcastle United of the English Premier League and the LIV Golf series.
When his contract with PSG expired in June, Messi was generally anticipated to depart the club. His former club Barcelona was said to be interested in a reunion, but the Spanish team’s dire financial situation was seen as a big roadblock, ostensibly opening the door for Saudi Arabia to open its wallet.
