Lionel Messi's Father Quashes Reports His Son Will Play In Saudi Arabia

Tuesday, 9 May 2023 16:40

By Caoimhe Harney

The 35 year- old Argentina captain has been linked with a number of clubs once his PSG contract ends

Lionel Messi’s father has denied reports the World Cup winner has agreed to sign for any club next season.

It was claimed on Tuesday that a big money move to Saudi Arabia was “a done deal”.

News agency AFP reported that Messi, whose contract with Paris Saint-Germain expires on June 30, had accepted an “exceptional” offer bankrolled by the Public Investment Fund, the kingdom’s sovereign wealth fund.

Al Hilal, the current Saudi champions and record four-time winners of the Asian Champions League, have been cited as the likely destination.

Speaking to AFP on condition of anonymity, a source said: “Messi is a done deal. He will play in Saudi Arabia next season. The contract is exceptional. It's huge. We are just finalising some small details.”

However, on Tuesday, Messi’s father released a statement on his Instagram account denying the report.

The 35 year- old Argentina captain has been linked with a number of clubs once his PSG contract concludes, including former employers Barcelona and Inter Miami in the US.

“There’s absolutely nothing with no club for next year,” Messi Snr wrote. “The decision will not be taken before Lionel finishes the league with PSG. Once the season is finished, that will be the time to analyse and see what there is, and then take a decision.”

🚨🔴 Jorge Messi official statement.

“There’s absolutely NOTHING agreed with any club for next season. We will decide at the end of the season”.

“Nothing is signed, agreed or verbally agreed. Only fake news using Leo’s name”. pic.twitter.com/eJQOsBerGp
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 9, 2023