Lionel Messi has reached a verbal agreement to join Al Hilal – report

Contradicting updates regarding the future of PSG superstar Lionel Messi continue to be the recurring theme in the media at the moment.

While several publications indicate that the 35-year-old is leaning towards a move to Barcelona and is yet to make a final decision, there have been outlets that have claimed that the Argentina captain is close to signing for Saudi Arabian giants Al Hilal.

Now, L’Equipe is reporting that Messi has reached a verbal agreement to play in Saudi Arabia next season, although nothing is signed at this moment.

The publication cites a source from the news agency AFP stating that the 2022 World Cup winner has an agreement in principle to move to Saudi Arabia at the end of the season when his contract with PSG expires.

While it is not specifically mentioned which club Messi would sign for, Al Hilal seems to be the possible destination, given that they have been pushing hard for his signing, having offered an outrageous €400 million per year contract.

Barcelona return off?

This development, if true, will come as a blow to Barcelona and the fans who had been yearning to see Messi back at the club.

Only earlier today it had been reported that La Liga had given the green light to Barça’s economic viability plan so that they can re-sign the Argentina international.

It was further reported that Messi would prefer to return to Catalonia on a low salary rather than play in Saudi Arabia.

But, now, if the reports from L’Equipe are to be believed, things may be going the other way.

There remain question marks over the veracity of the information, considering that the source is based out in Paris and the general atmosphere is leaning against Messi in the French capital of late.

But what is true is that Barcelona are yet to make a formal offer to Messi. Meanwhile, an extension at PSG is no longer a possibility following the breakdown in relations after the French giants suspended him for an allegedly unauthorised trip to Saudi Arabia.

So, the Argentine could very well be considering a move to the Middle East, who for now, have tabled a proposal.

Meanwhile, Gerard Romero is reporting that there are people in Messi’s entourage who want him to move to Saudi Arabia because of the financial benefits. However, others, including Leo himself, want to return to Barcelona.

Fabrizio Romano, meanwhile, has insisted that Messi has not made a decision yet and that he will do so only once the Ligue 1 is over, which will be in early June. Barcelona are continuing to work to find ways to re-sign and register Messi, but it is not easy.