Amid speculation about his next club and after a tough defeat at home to PSG, Lionel Messi traveled to Saudi Arabia with his family and landed this Monday morning in the country where he has been Ambassador of Tourism since 2022.
“I am delighted to welcome Saudi Tourism Ambassador Lionel Messi and his family on his second Saudi Arabian holiday. We are delighted to share our authentic Saudi welcome with you all,” wrote the Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Tourism, Ahmed Al Khateeb, on social media.
I am happy to welcome Saudi Tourism Ambassador Lionel #Messi and his family on his second vacation in Saudi. We are happy to share our authentic Saudi welcome with you all #WelcomeMessi
– Ahmed Al Khateeb Ahmed Al Khateeb (@AhmedAlKhateeb) May 1, 2023
Less than 24 hours ago, Messi was on the pitch for Paris Saint Germain already defeat by 3 to 1 against o Lorient for the 33rd round of the French Championship. This Sunday’s stumble was the team’s third setback in the last six matches of the season.
The rest of the PSG squad reappears this Monday at the training center, but the Argentine will not be present. The Parisian club’s players will be off on Tuesday and will return to action on Wednesday to prepare for their Ligue 1 clash with Troyes.
Lionel Messi’s trip to Saudi Arabia also generated reactions from fans of Al-Hilal, which would be one of the clubs interested in having the star next season. Messi has less than two months left on his contract with PSG and is receiving proposals to define his next destination.
According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, Al-Hilal offered more than 400 million euros a year to sign Messi. If the team reaches an agreement with the Argentine, Messi will wear the shirt of Cristiano Ronaldo’s rival team in Saudi football, Al-Nassr.
Al-Hilal has competition from Barcelona in the dispute for the seven times best player in the world. Directors of the Catalan club and the coach himself, Xavi, have already admitted conversations with Messi, but the fiscal rules of the Spanish Championship hinder a possible return.
Source: Gazetaesportiva
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