Saudi Arabia Becoming a Reality? Barcelona Dealt Blow to Messi Reunion Plans

Paris Saint-Germain and Lionel Messi appear heading toward a separation this summer, with the 35-year-old’s contract expiring in June. After the capital club suspended the veteran goal scorer, it became clear that perhaps an extension between the two parties wouldn’t occur. 

El Chiringuito and journalist Mohamed Bouhafsi (France Télé) reported Monday that Messi has a new destination. The information from both sides reveals that Saudi club Al-Hilal is particularly advancing by recruiting other players to convince the Argentinian.

💣EXCLUSIVA @elchiringuitotv y @Marsallorente

🚨MESSI Y BUSQUETS JUGARÁN EN ARABIA SAUDÍ

🔥 @Marsallorente ENTRA en breve en Twitch para contarlo todo. Vente ya: https://t.co/uy59B6tvAR pic.twitter.com/b7ief5UKoK

— El Chiringuito TV (@elchiringuitotv) May 8, 2023

🚨 Pour convaincre Leo #Messi de rejoindre Al Hilal, le club saoudien a fait une offre à Jordi #Alba et Sergio #Busquets et s’apprête à en faire une à Marco #Verratti ! Du jamais vu dans le football.

— Mohamed Bouhafsi (@mohamedbouhafsi) May 8, 2023

Bouhafsi notes that Al-Hilal has made an offer to Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets and is about to make one to Marco Verratti as their pitch to convince the 2022 FIFA World Cup winner to ditch Europe.

FC Barcelona is attempting to reunite with their former player, but their finances remain a significant hurdle and La Liga has yet to approve their financial package and they have not offloaded any players to make room for Messi’s salary.

If the Spanish club cannot make their finances work to have Messi return to Camp Nou, he might need to consider non-European options, which include Al-Hilal and MLS Inter Miami.

Messi’s two-week suspension ends next week, but if PSG opts not to play him in the remaining three fixtures on the 2022-23 Ligue 1 calendar, he’ll have plenty of time to plot out his future.