Lionel Messi camp denies agreement to play in Saudi Arabia

Jorge Messi, father and agent of Lionel, has denied reports of the Paris Saint-Germain player agreeing a deal to play in Saudi Arabia next season.

Reports broke this morning that Messi had agreed a blockbuster deal to move to the Gulf nation. Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal have been pushing to sign him for a while now.

However, the senior Messi claims they have not agreed any deal with any club. He said they would only consider transfers when the season ends.

In a post on Instagram, Messi said (via L’Equipe): “There is absolutely nothing with any club for next year. The decision will never be made before Lionel finished the league with PSG.

“Once the season is over it will be time to analyse and see what is there, and then make a decision.

“There are always rumors and many use the name of Lionel to gain notoriety but the truth is only one and we can assure that there is nothing with anyone. 

“Neither verbal, nor signed, nor agreed, and there will not be until the end of the season.

“It seems to me a lack of respect towards the media where they respond, that there are those who consciously and deliberately deceive, without providing any proof of their claims, and wanting to turn any malicious rumor into news or that is directed by someone in favor of their interests. 

“They would have to explain why they don’t contrast the information… They don’t want a truth to ruin their “news.”

Messi’s statement will give Barcelona hope in their pursuit of the Argentine international. They are trying to bring the 2022 FIFA World Cup winner back to Spotify Camp Nou.

But it will not be so easy. La Liga will not let the Catalans sign and register players for the new season if they don’t meet some financial obligations.

Barcelona must further reduce salaries and sell some of their stars to meet the conditions set by La Liga.

Also, Messi would have to take a massive pay cut to get a deal across the line.

However, there is a chance that Barcelona won’t be able to return to the La Liga table-toppers.

Then, he will consider a move to Saudi Arabia. For now, it is still an open race for his signature with Barcelona in the lead.

Messi returned to training today following his suspension for visiting Saudi Arabia without PSG’s permission.

The 35-year-old apologised and started training individually yesterday. Today, Messi joined the full first-team training.