Lionel Messi's Father Denies Move to Saudi Arabia is a 'Done Deal'

Lionel Messi has not "signed or agreed" a deal to play in Saudi Arabia

Lionel Messi has not "signed or agreed" a deal to play in Saudi Arabia next season, the Argentine's father said after reports on Tuesday linked the Paris Saint-Germain forward with a move to the Middle East.

Messi's future at PSG has been the subject of much speculation in recent days after the Ligue 1 side suspended him for making a trip to Saudi Arabia and missing a training session as a result.

On Tuesday, French media reported that Messi's move to Saudi Arabia was a "done deal", adding that the 35-year-old was in the process of finalising details before signing a contract.

"There is absolutely nothing with any club for next year. The decision will never be made before Lionel finishes the league (season) with PSG," Messi's father, Jorge Messi, said in a statement on an Instagram story.

"Once the season is over, it will be time to analyse and see what is out there, and then make a decision … We can assure you that there is nothing with anyone. Neither verbal, nor signed, nor agreed and there will not be until the end of the season."

A source close to Argentina's captain told Reuters he had received a formal offer to join the Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal next season, with a contract renewal at PSG not on the cards for the World Cup winner, who turns 36 next month.

The oil-rich nation appointed Messi its tourism ambassador last year and he visited Jeddah in May 2022.

He returned in January to play a friendly match with PSG against a team of Saudi League stars, when he faced his great rival Cristiano Ronaldo, who joined Al-Nassr late last year.

Source:- ABC.Net