Al Hilal not distracted by Lionel Messi rumours in bid for Asian Champions League crown

Al Hilal manager Ramon Diaz would not be drawn on Friday on rumours linking Lionel Messi to the club, preferring instead to focus on this weekend's Asian Champions League title defence.

Reports this week claimed Messi has a hugely lucrative contract offer to move to Saudi Arabia in the summer, with current domestic and Asian champions Hilal said to be vying for his signature.

Messi, who in December led Argentina to World Cup success, is out of contract at Paris Saint-Germain at the end of this season. The forward, 35, was suspended by the French champions for two weeks on Wednesday having travelled to Saudi Arabia without the club’s permission, in his role as tourist ambassador for the kingdom.

Hilal, though, are currently getting set to take on Urawa Red Diamonds in the second leg of the 2022 Champions League final in Saitama on Saturday, after drawing 1-1 with the Japanese side in Riyadh last week.

On Friday, Diaz was asked about the Messi rumours at the pre-match press conference, but simply replied: “Now we are focused on the game - we have a final. And after the final we will see whatever happens.”

Hilal, four-time Asian champions, are seeking a record-extending fifth Champions League title, and third in four years. The Riyadh side, whose cross-town rivals Al Nassr are captained by Cristiano Ronaldo, are the continent's defending champions having defeated South Korea’s Pohang Steelers in the 2021 final.

On Saturday, Hilal will be without two of their most prominent players for the match at Saitama Stadium: captain Salman Al Faraj, who picked up an injury in the first leg, and suspended winger Salem Al Dawsari.

After opening the scoring last week for Hilal, Al Dawsari was sent off in the closing stages for kicking