Lionel Messi could force Saudi law change as Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr deal matched

Saudi Arabian laws could be changed if the ongoing speculations about Lionel Messi moving to the Middle East are true.

Argentina legend Messi’s contract with Paris Saint Germain is due to expire when the current season comes to a close.

It is believed that PSG are trying their best to tie the 35-year-old down on a new deal.

This season, Messi has been in fine form. In 23 appearances in Ligue 1, he has scored 13 and assisted 13. Whilst also inspiring his country to World Cup glory in Qatar.

However, PSG were disappointing when they were knocked out of the Champions League at the round of 16 stage by Bayern Munich, this has led to questions about Messi’s future.

It has been reported that PSG are desperate for the Argentine to sign a new deal but as of yet, nothing has been agreed.

According to Spanish news outlet Marca, Saudi Professional League side Al Hilal are ready to offer a big money deal to lure Messi to the club.

It is believed that they will be willing to offer the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner a salary of £177 million per year, which is the same as Cristiano Ronaldo’s wages at Al Nassr.

If the deal is to be agreed upon, it would need to be approved by Saudi Arabian politicians.

In addition, they would have to change the salary limit law in order to have both Messi and Ronaldo playing in their top league.

However, it is believed that the change will not be a problem as the country view signing two of the best players of the generation will be huge for Saudi football.

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Apart from Al Hilal, Barcelona fans are hoping for what will be a sensational return for Messi at the Camp Nou.

Former teammate Gerard Pique told RAC1: “Only he knows his future. I think that winning the World Cup was the dream he had on a personal level. It was the title he needed to be considered the best in history. Now everyone is convinced of it.

“Now everything he decides is based on where he thinks he can find happiness. The most normal thing is that he stays in Europe. Barça can be there. For the Catalans, for him to return on a sentimental level would be incredible. But it is a decision for him. Here, no matter how much people say, those words are only their feelings and their motivation.”

Topics: Lionel Messi, Paris Saint-Germain, Cristiano Ronaldo, Al Nassr, Saudi Arabia

Marcus Chan

@MarcusChan2