04 June 2023 , 00:14
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Al-Hilal are set to announce Lionel Messi's arrival from PSG in a matter of days as the superstar prepares to leave PSG.
Messi has been the past two seasons at the French giants, winning successive Ligue 1 titles. But the end of his time in Paris has been marred by fan protests, with many taking aim at the World Cup winner as PSG once again failed to win the Champions League.
A number of teams are competing to sign now free-agent Messi, with Al-Hilal understood to be one of the frontrunners. The Saudi Pro League side have offered Messi a record-breaking contract to end his career in the Middle East.
It appears they are close to sealing a deal with the Argentine superstar, with a date now set to announce his arrival. According to Sport, Al-Hilal will introduce Messi as their latest signing on Tuesday.
It is said the Saudi side have set this date in order to gain Messi's final approval and begin the process of settling into life in the Middle East. The attacker intends to announce the decision over his next move soon to avoid his future becoming a 'soap opera'.
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Al-Hilal have presented Messi with a 'astronomical' offer to make him the world's highest-paid player by far. While the money will be record-breaking, Al-Hilal may struggle to compete for Messi in a sporting sense.
HAVE YOUR SAY! Is Lionel Messi making the right decision if he does join Al-Hilal? Comment below.
Messi was booed off the pitch during his final game with PSG on Saturday (AFP via Getty Images)They finished third in the Saudi league in the season just gone, with the division also not being highly-thought of within football. Barcelona remain interested in bringing him back to the Nou Camp, though they are not yet able to make a formal offer.
Boss Xavi, who was Messi's team-mate during Barca's years dominating Spanish and European football, is pushing to be reunited. He has called on president Joan Laporta to bring Messi back to Spain.
"I'm in no doubt that if Messi were to return, he would help us in what we are wanting to achieve with our football. I am in no doubt and I've told this to the president. He continues to be a determined footballer, he has the hunger still," Xavi recently told Sport.
"He's still a winner, he's a leader and he's different. At Barcelona, we've not have the same level since what we reached as a pinnacle in 2010. There's no doubt that he would still help us a lot - but in the end it all depends on him.
"Messi brings you the talent of being able to play the final pass, he opens doors, scores goals. In the final third he can provide the difference. We're going to talk to him and his representatives. I think Leo has the upper hand, there is no doubt.
"I'm not in his head, but I've been very clear about my relationship with him. We have the doors wide open. And if he wants to come, I'm in no doubt that it can happen and he would help us. But it's up to him. It's his personal choice."