Lionel Messi is reportedly on his way out of Paris Saint Germain and has a huge offer on the table from Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Ramano claimed earlier that the relationship between the World Cup winner and PSG completely broke down after the star made an unauthorised trip to Saudi Arabia.
The French side suspended the Argentinian for two weeks and reports say that Jorge Messi has communicated the legendary footballer’s desire to leave the club.
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Romano has now reported that Saudi side Al Hilal have sent in an official bid worth £350 million (A$660m) a year.
If accepted it would make Messi the highest-paid athlete in the world by a long shot, with his arch-rival Cristiano Ronaldo currently holding that mantle.
The Portuguese star, who signed with Al Nassr back in January, reportedly makes £175m (A$330m) annually.
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It would be a mammoth move that would once again tee up football’s greatest individual rivalry, but this time in the Middle East.
However, Romano claims that Leo’s priority is to continue in Europe, and that the likes of his former side Barcelona are waiting on FFP to open talks.
The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner currently makes £60m (A$113m) a year at PSG, so any offer coming from a top side in Europe would likely not match the offer from Al Hilal.
Meanwhile, Barcelona have made it no secret that they want their long-time club legend back in the side.
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However, it’s the same financial problems that led to Messi’s abrupt exit that still persist at Camp Nou and would make it hard for the move to be put into place.
Messi’s trip to Saudi Arabia followed PSG's home defeat to Lorient on Sunday, where the 35-year-old played the full 90 minutes.
He will not train or play for PSG during the period of his suspension, meaning he will miss league games against Troyes and Ajaccio.
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The World Cup winner is in his second campaign at PSG following his switch from Barcelona in the summer of 2021.
He helped his side win the league title last season, with the club looking well-placed to defend their title this term.
Messi has 31 goals in 71 appearances for PSG, who acquired his services after tabling a hugely lucrative contract.
Topics: Lionel Messi, Paris Saint-Germain, Cristiano Ronaldo, Saudi Arabia, Al Nassr
Jayden Collins