In what promises to be the signing of the century, Al Nassr's biggest rivals Al Hilal have entered the market to sign Lionel Messi on a more-than-bumper €400 million a year. What might make this Bosman deal even bigger than usual is that Al Nassr have on their books Cristiano Ronaldo, with the rivalry between Messi and Ronaldo well documented among the fans.
The news was broken by prominent football journalist Fabrizio Romano, who revealed that a return to Barcelona is also still on the cards for Messi, as well as a contract renewal at his current club, the French giants Paris Saint Germain.
Romano added that Messi's priority is to remain in Europe, at least till Copa America 2024, and Barcelona are preparing their first bid to confirm a merry homecoming for the forward. Despite these, Messi has already received an offer from PSG, although he is yet to accept their new terms.
However, many reports in the media suggest that the 2022 FIFA World Cup winner will not stick around at PSG after his contract expires in July 2023.
Meanwhile, Barcelona are reportedly positive in their approach for Messi, but the club hierarchy, led by president Joan Laporta, are waiting for the result of their ongoing Financial Fair Play dispute.
Meanwhile, Ronaldo has had a bright start to life in the Saudi Pro League, after he chose to leave Manchester United and join Al Nassr. The Portuguese forward scored his 833rd and 834th career goals in a 5-0 rout over Al-Adalh on Wednesday (April 5) morning. This took his total tally above legendary forwards Thierry Henry (France and Arsenal fame) and Ronaldo Nazario (Brazil and Real Madrid fame), who scored 832 goals between them in their respective careers.
In nine games in the Saudi Pro League, the 2016 UEFA Euros winner has 11 goals and two assists. He also recently scored four goals in two games for Portugal in the Euros 2024 qualifiers.
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