Leo Messi, the Argentine football superstar, has received a staggering offer from Saudi Arabia to join Al-Hilal, one of the most successful clubs in the country. According to reports, the offer is worth more than €400 million ($438 million) a year, making it one of the highest salaries ever offered to a player.
The offer comes as Messi’s contract with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) is set to expire at the end of this season. The 35-year-old joined the French club last summer after leaving Barcelona, his lifelong club, due to financial difficulties. However, Messi has not yet agreed to extend his stay at PSG, as he reportedly wants sporting guarantees and a competitive project.
Messi has also been linked with a return to Barcelona, where he spent 21 years and won 35 trophies, including four Champions League titles and 10 La Liga titles. The Catalan club is said to be waiting for the Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations to be relaxed before making an official bid and opening talks with Messi’s entourage.
However, Al-Hilal have made a bold move to lure Messi away from Europe and join the Saudi Pro League, which has attracted some big names in recent years, such as Cristiano Ronaldo, who joined Al-Nassr in 2023. Al-Hilal are the most successful club in Saudi Arabia, having won 17 league titles and three Asian Champions League titles.
According to transfer market expert Fabrizio Romano, Al-Hilal have already sent an official proposal to Messi’s representatives, but the player’s absolute priority is to continue his career in Europe. Romano also claimed that Messi has not accepted PSG’s offer at this stage, as he wants more assurances about the club’s ambitions and future plans.
Messi is widely regarded as one of the best players of all time, having won seven Ballon d’Or awards and six European Golden Shoes. He is also Argentina’s all-time leading scorer and captain, having led his country to their first major trophy in 28 years at the 2022 Copa America. Messi has scored 18 goals and provided 13 assists in 29 appearances for PSG this season.