Saudi club ‘eyes Messi’ for nearly double Ronaldo’s contract

The on-pitch rivalry between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo could be renewed as Al-Hilal are reportedly preparing a $300 million offer for the Argentine. Following…

Lionel Messi

Argentina’s forward #10 Lionel Messi gestures after receiving the Golden Ball award during the Qatar 2022 World Cup trophy ceremony after the football final match between Argentina and France at Lusail Stadium in Lusail, north of Doha on December 18, 2022. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP)

The on-pitch rivalry between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo could be renewed as Al-Hilal are reportedly preparing a $300 million offer for the Argentine.

Following weeks of speculation, Ronaldo signed for Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr in December in a deal worth £175 million per year.

Now, it has been reported that Al-Nassr’s bitter rivals Al-Hilal are drawing up an elaborate plan to sign Messi in the summer.

The Argentina captain’s deal with PSG is due to expire in June and he is said to have assured the club that he would sign an extension.

But it has now emerged that Al-Hilal are keen to bring him to Saudi Arabia. According to Mundo Deportivo, a Spanish website, they would be willing to pay him $300m-a-year (£245m) to get a deal over the line,

Currently, Al-Hilal are banned from adding players until the next transfer window, but they want Messi to sign now ahead of a potential move in the summer.