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Lionel Messi has reportedly not agreed to join Al-Hilal, amid widespread claims that the Argentine is set for a move to Saudi Arabia. Messi is waiting for the season to get over and wants to keep his options open.
As per a report in Mundo Deportivo, claims of Messi agreeing a deal to join Al-Hilal are wide of the mark. The Spanish publication added that the Argentine forward will make a decision about his future in the summer.
Reports earlier on Monday suggested that Messi was set to join Al-Hilal in the summer after his PSG contract expires. They added that the FIFA World Cup winner was set to earn a whopping £400 million per season, which would make him the highest-paid player in the world.
Barcelona still remain in the lead for Messi's signature as they prepare their plan to get the green signal from La Liga. They need to reduce their wage bill before signing players, but are confident that they can get the deal done this summer.
Lionel Messi told he needs to consider Al-Hilal move by Nasser Al-Attiyah
Qatari rally driver Nasser Al-Attiyah has urged Lionel Messi to join Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal. He believes that the Middle Eastern country will do their best to host the World Cup soon and it would be a win-win situation if the Argentine spent a few seasons in the league.
Al-Attiyah added that money would not be an issue for the club and told Mundo Deportivo:
"It's difficult for Lionel Messi to go back to Barcelona after PSG. PSG are a rich club and they have a clear plan. What I think now is that an Arabian club will, in a few months, sign Lionel Messi. And I can tell you which one: I'm sure he'll go to Al-Hilal."
Al-Attiyah added:
"There's a lot of money here, and players are looking for a big contract. Saudi Arabia wants to host the World Cup. You've already seen in my country, the Qatar World Cup was incredible and now everyone is fighting for Arabia to win the 2030 World Cup bid. I think that they need big names in their league, so that more people come here and football improves with sights set on the World Cup."
Cristiano Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr earlier this season and has done well in his time in Saudi Arabia. If Messi does join Al-Hilal, he could revive his long-standing rivalry with the Portuguese forward.
