11 May 2023 , 09:33
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Lionel Messi has marked Sergio Busquets' departure from Barcelona by sending a message to his former teammate, with the pair linked to a reunion in Saudi Arabia.
Messi and Busquets spent 13 years playing together in a Barca team which won three Champions League titles, but both are now expected to be eyeing the final transfer of their illustrious careers this summer. Messi has been consistently linked with a move to Saudi Arabia, with Al-Hilal reportedly set to offer the star a contract worth up to £522 million.
This would set up a reunion between Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, with the latter plying his trade with Al-Nassr. This would mean that the country's two biggest clubs could reignite a rivalry which captivated the world during the pair's respective careers with Barcelona and Real Madrid.
With Busquets' departure from Barcelona having been confirmed this week, speculation has begun that they could be reunited in the same shirt once again in a move to Al-Hilal. Upon the defensive midfielder's departure being confirmed, Messi sent a message to his former teammate, with whom he played alongside 567 times, revealing both good and 'complicated' memories.
He wrote on social media in an Instagram post to his 460 million followers, saying: "On the pitch always with 5 but in reality as a player and as a person you are a 10, Busi. I wish you the best in your new stage and always, both you and your family.
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"Thank you for on and off the pitch , there were so many moments we spent together, many good and some also complicated... They will stay forever!" He added. "Big hug, @5sergiob'."
Sergio Busquets and Lionel Messi could soon play together once again ((Photo by Eric Verhoeven/Soccrates/Getty Images))A move for either player to be reunited in Saudi Arabia is far from confirmed, with the Saudi league currently having a rule which states that just seven overseas players can play for any club. Al-Hilal currently have seven on their books, including former Manchester United striker Odion Igalho and ex-Watford winger Andre Carillo.
This means that they would have to offload a player in order to seal the signing of Messi and Busquets, with the rule set to increase to eight foreign players allowed this year. While there is some fear in the country that this could side-line local players, the ability to attract top European talent and growing the league is clear to see, with the league's most historically successful club hoping to match their rivals.
Messi has become an ambassador to Saudi Arabia, with a view to promoting the country amid their ongoing bid to stage the 2030 World Cup. The deal, which looks likely to see Messi playing in the Saudi league before too long, has brought with it allegations of 'sportswashing' amid continued human rights abuses being reported in the Gulf State.
Messi's representatives continue to deny that a deal is close, with his father, Jorge has denied that an agreement has been struck in a recent post to social media. However, with the star out of contract and astronomical wages on offer, it might not be too long before we see the Argentine legend playing alongside one of his most decorated teammates once again.