Al-Hilal are reportedly prepared to offer Paris Saint-Germain star Lionel Messi the most lucrative contract in football history in an attempt to lure him to Saudi Arabia.
The 35-year-old’s long-term future at the Parc des Princes is believed to be uncertain as his current deal is due to expire in less than six months’ time.
PSG head coach Christophe Galtier recently confirmed that the Parisian giants are in “discussions” with Messi over a contract extension, with club president Nasser Al-Khelaifi keen to tie the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner down to fresh terms.
“There are discussions, the sports management has exchanged with Leo on the subject of an extension. I do not know where it is,” Galtier told reporters prior to PSG’s 2-0 win over Angers on Tuesday in which Messi scored their second goal.
“Leo seems happy to me in Paris. Afterwards, you have to see his position in relation to the project of the club. It’s a subject I don’t discuss with him.”
A potential return to Catalan giants Barcelona has been mooted for Messi, as has a possible switch to the MLS with David Beckham’s Inter Miami, but Al-Hilal are the latest team to allegedly join the race for his signature.
According to reports in Spain, Al-Hilal are planning to table a staggering £288m-a-year contract offer to sign Messi.
The reported annual figure would see the Argentine overtake Al-Nassr’s latest recruit Cristiano Ronaldo as the highest-paid player in world football.
Ronaldo has ended his 20-year professional club career in Europe to test himself in the Middle East with Al-Nassr, where he will earn a reported £177m per season until June 2025.
Saudi Arabia are planning to make a joint-bid to host the 2030 World Cup along with Egypt and Greece and are hoping to increase the visibility of their domestic league by having both Ronaldo and Messi competing in the same division.
Ronaldo, 37, could make his debut for an exhibition team made up of Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal players when the Saudi sides welcome Messi’s PSG for a friendly encounter in Riyadh on January 19.
Messi has enjoyed a successful 2022-23 campaign with PSG so far, recording 13 goals and 14 assists in 20 appearances across all competitions.
The legendary forward cemented his status as one of the all-time greats when he captained Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar, winning the Player of the Tournament award after scoring seven goals and providing three assists in seven appearances.
Amid speculation surrounding his future, Messi is currently focused on helping PSG retain their Ligue 1 title, with Galtier’s side sitting six points clear of Lens at the top of the table.
The French giants are also bidding to win their first Champions League trophy this season, and will soon prepare for a last-16 tie against Bayern Munich.
SOURCES: SPORTMOLE
