Messi’s Saudi move unconfirmed as representative denies AFP report

RIYADH: A report by AFP that Argentine superstar Lionel Messi will play in Saudi Arabia next season has been dismissed by one of his representatives on Tuesday.

According to the French press agency, a source with knowledge of the negotiations between Messi and a Saudi club commented that a "huge" deal had been agreed.

“Messi is a done deal. He will play in Saudi Arabia next season,” said the source, speaking on condition of anonymity and without naming the club.

Rumors have been circulating recently that the World Cup winner will join Al-Hilal in Riyadh.

“The contract is exceptional. It’s huge. We are just finalising some small details,” the source added.

A representative for Messi dismissed the comments, telling CNN that the player will decide on his future at the end of the current season. Al-Hilal did not comment on the reports.

Asked about the comments, Messi’s current club Paris Saint-Germain simply noted that he remains under contract until June 30.

A separate PSG source said: “If the club had wanted to renew his contract, it would have been done earlier.”

The 35-year-old World Cup winner was suspended by Qatari-owned PSG last week for an unauthorised trip to Saudi, where he is a tourism ambassador.

Messi’s expected arrival in the Kingdom follows in the footsteps of his arch-rival Cristiano Ronaldo, who joined Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr in a massive deal in January.

Ronaldo’s agreement to June 2025 is said to total more than $439million, making him the world’s highest paid athlete according to Forbes.