Transfer: Lionel Messi moves to Saudi Arabia, Al-Hilal, contract worth £522m

Lionel Messi’s transfer to Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal has reached its conclusion, marking a momentous milestone in the world of football. The Argentine maestro is on the verge of penning a mind-boggling £522 million contract.

Recent revelations unveiled Messi’s impending departure from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) as his current contract nears its end. A suspension imposed by PSG due to an unsanctioned trip to Saudi Arabia reportedly left the club’s hierarchy fuming.

Two years ago, the revered forward bid a reluctant farewell to his beloved Barcelona, driven by the financial hurdles encountered by the club. Eventually, he found his new home at PSG, sealing the deal as a free agent.

Initially, both Messi and PSG displayed eagerness to activate the option for an additional year within the initial two-year contract.

However, recent reports originating from France indicate that Messi’s destiny lies beyond PSG, with an expedition into the Saudi league beckoning. In this intriguing twist, he will join forces with none other than Cristiano Ronaldo, who currently plies his trade for Al-Hilal‘s rivals, Al-Nassr.

The stage is set for a rekindled rivalry between these two football titans in the upcoming season.

Throughout their careers, Messi and Ronaldo engaged in a fierce battle for supremacy within La Liga, donning the colors of Barcelona and Real Madrid, respectively, as they vied for the coveted title of the world’s best player.

Despite advancing in years, Messi continues to showcase his exceptional prowess on the field, amassing an impressive tally of 20 goals and 19 assists for PSG in the current season.

With a glittering collection of seven Ballon d’Or accolades to his name, Messi’s overall record boasts a staggering 703 goals and 337 assists across 849 appearances for both Barcelona and PSG.