Al Hilal Makes History With $500 Million Offer To PSG Star Messi

PARIS, France - Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal has reportedly increased its salary offer to Paris Saint-Germain star Lionel Messi to more than $500 million a year, according to Spanish media outlet Mundo Deportivo.

The report claims that Al Hilal, which is one of the most successful and popular clubs in the Middle East, is determined to lure Messi away from PSG and make him the highest–paid player in the history of football.

Messi, who joined PSG on a free transfer from Barcelona last summer, has a contract with the French giants until 2024, with an option for another year. However, his future at PSG has been uncertain amid rumors of discontent and frustration with the team’s performance and management.

Al Hilal, which is owned by Prince Abdulrahman bin Musa’ad bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, a member of the Saudi royal family, has been pursuing Messi for several months and has already made contact with his father and agent Jorge Messi, according to the report.

The report adds that Al Hilal is willing to offer Messi a staggering $500 million per season, which would amount to $1.5 billion for a three-year deal. This would dwarf Messi’s current salary at PSG, which is estimated at around $75 million per season.

Al Hilal hopes that Messi will be tempted by the lucrative offer and the chance to play in Saudi Arabia, which has been developing its football sector and hosting major events such as the FIFA Club World Cup and the Spanish Super Cup.

The report also suggests that Messi’s recent visit to Saudi Arabia as part of his role as a tourism ambassador for the country was part of Al Hilal’s strategy to convince him to join the club. Messi and his family were seen enjoying various tourist attractions in Saudi Arabia, such as the Red Sea coast, the ancient city of Al-Ula, and the futuristic city of NEOM.

However, Messi’s father has denied any agreement with Al Hilal and said that his son will not make any decision about his future until the end of the season. Messi is currently focused on helping PSG win the Ligue 1 title and the Champions League trophy.