Lionel Messi is reportedly expected to sign for Saudi Club Al Hilal in a historic deal, with the club`s officials currently in Paris, Saudi Gazette reported on Sunday.
Messi`s journey at PSG came to an end after a two-year stint on Saturday as his contract which expired on June 30 was not renewed.
"After two seasons in the French capital, Leo Messi`s adventure with Paris St Germain will come to an end at the conclusion of the 2022–23 campaign," PSG said in a statement.
"I would like to thank Leo Messi for his two seasons in Paris. To see a seven-time Ballon d`Or winner in the Rouge & Bleu and at Parc des Princes, winning back-to-back Ligue 1 titles and inspiring our younger players has been a pleasure," PSG president Nasser al-Khelaifi said in the club`s statement.
According to the Saudi Gazette, Messi, the seven-time Ballon d`Or winner, will fly to Riyadh within 48 hours in preparation for the official announcement of the deal after his arrival in the Saudi capital. The value of the deal and the player`s salary have not yet been finalized but according to earlier reports, the Argentine was considering $400 million-a-year mega deal from the Riyadh club. This will make Messi the highest-paid athlete in the world, surpassing Cristiano Ronaldo`s earnings.
Meanwhile, Messi has confirmed on Saturday that he will exit Paris Saint-German. In comments made to ESPN, Messi said: "I am happy to have been able to represent PSG. I really enjoyed playing on this team and with such good players. I want to thank the club for a wonderful experience in Paris," he added.
