Saudi club Al Hilal makes official Messi bid

Doha: Saudi Arabian top-flight football club Al Hilal has submitted an official offer to World Cup champion Lionel Messi, according to the Saudi Okaz newspaper.

Sources have reportedly informed Okaz that Al Hilal had made an offer to the Argentine captain and current Paris Saint Germain that “meets the demands of the Argentine star” without disclosing much details concerning the deal.

Italian journalist and football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, through his official Twitter account, also confirmed the bid and announced that Messi’s salary worth is expected to be worth “more than €400m/year.”

???? Understand Al Hilal sent an official bid to Leo Messi: salary worth more than €400m/year.

◉ Leo’s absolute priority: continue in Europe.

◉ Barcelona, waiting on FFP to send bid and open talks.

◉ PSG bid, not accepted at this stage as Messi wanted sporting guarantees. pic.twitter.com/FVTDGs4eQV

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 4, 2023

Messi’s father and agent, Jorge Messi, was spotted in the Saudi capital Riyadh last March, fueling speculations regarding the possibility of a future move for the Argentine Qatar 2022 World Cup champion. 

Saudi Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al Khateeb announced that Messi would be visiting Saudi Arabia in March in his role as the country’s Tourism Ambassador.

Al Khateeb said in a tweet that he was "happy to welcome our Tourism Ambassador ... and his family and friends this month ... to enjoy our most beautiful tourism destinations, connect with our people and enjoy unique experiences!"
 

I am happy to welcome our Tourism Ambassador and star Lionel Messi and his family and friends this month on his second visit to Saudi to enjoy our most beautiful tourism destinations, connect with our people and enjoy unique experiences! @VisitSaudi pic.twitter.com/GCpX6JLAVu

— Ahmed Al Khateeb أحمد الخطيب (@AhmedAlKhateeb) March 8, 2023