Cristiano Ronaldo made headlines around the world with his high-profile move to the Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr at the end of last year. The Portuguese star’s switch from European giants Manchester United sent shockwaves through the soccer world, and it looks like Saudi Arabian clubs are now ready to take their ambitions to the next level by attempting to sign World Cup winner, Lionel Messi.
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Messi’s future has been the subject of intense speculation in recent months, with the Argentine’s contract at French side Paris Saint-Germain due to expire this summer. There has been no indication from Messi that renewal is on the cards. With the possibility of the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner leaving the club, a number of teams have been linked with his signing.
Rival teams of Cristiano Ronaldo looking to sign Messi
The latest is Al-Nassr rivals Al-Hilal, who are reportedly preparing an offer similar to the one that saw Ronaldo sign for Al-Nassr. According to reports, Al-Hilal is willing to pay Messi around $234 million per season, which would make him the highest-paid player in the world alongside the Portuguese striker.
However, Al-Hilal is not the only Saudi Arabian club interested in signing Messi. Al-Ittihad is also said to be preparing an offer for the Argentine. This means that if he does decide to spend his next seasons in Saudi Arabia, he could find himself at the center of a battle between two of the country’s biggest clubs.
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Of course, MLS and European teams are also interested in signing Messi. So the Saudi clubs will have their work cut out for them if they want to land the Argentine.
Lionel Messi is being considered by MLS and European teams
While Lionel Messi has still shown no sign of renewing his contract with PSG, the French club is not going to easily back down. PSG is still hoping to retain him. However, there are rumors that Messi could return to his former club, FC Barcelona.
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🚨🚨| BREAKING: There is now a 60% chance of Leo Messi returning to FC Barcelona this summer!@gerardromero [🎖️] pic.twitter.com/F9QQxXD1zO
— Managing Barça (@ManagingBarca) March 14, 2023
In addition, MLS side Inter Miami has also expressed interest in signing the soccer superstar. A deal with Inter Miami would be the greatest signing in MLS history. At the moment, it is unclear where Messi will end up playing.
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Nevertheless, it should be an interesting few months for Messi and for soccer fans around the world. We can just wait to see where one of the greatest players of all time will end up. Where do you think Lionel Messi will end up? Let us know in the comments.