Lionel Messi has received an incredible €400 million per season offer from Al Hilal, the rivals of Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr, to come to Saudi Arabia.
The 35-year-old is on the brink of an important career decision – staying in Europe to chase another UEFA Champions League title or move abroad to cash in on his biggest pay-cheque.
His current deal with Paris Saint-Germain is running out in June and although PSG were initially positive about an extension, recent booing of Messi by the club’s fans have upset the 2022 FIFA World Cup winner.
He also been continuously linked with a return to FC Barcelona, and is understood to be in contact with head coach Xavi Hernandez, who is a former teammate of his.
However, Messi would have to overcome his differences with president Joan Laporta, who somewhat blindsided him and his camp before his emotional exit from Camp Nou in August 2021.
Also, it is unclear whether Barcelona could Messi’s salary package although he is rumoured to accept a massive pay-cut to return this former club.
But a new whopping offer by Al Hilal might have thrown a spanner in Messi’s European future after Fabrizio Romano and Marca both reported about a €400 million (before tax) a-season offer, which converts to R7.85 billion.
Al Hilal are state-owned with the Saudi Arabian leadership seemingly keen to reunite Messi and Ronaldo in the Pro League – with Pitso Mosimane on track to lead his Al Ahli Saudi side into the country’s top flight.
Messi’s €400 million offer would make him the highest-earning footballer in history, as it’s double the €200 million (R3.9 billion) Cristiano Ronaldo is understood to earn at Al Nassr.
