05 June 2023 , 19:29
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Lionel Messi's future remains up in the air after the World Cup winner played his final game for Paris Saint-Germain on Saturday.
Messi's two-year stay in Paris ended acrimoniously, with the 35-year-old booed by fans on his final appearance after being suspended by the club over a trip to Saudi Arabia back in May. There has been much speculation over where the Argentine superstar will be playing his football next season, with a potential return to Barcelona or a lucrative move to Saudi side Al-Hilal his most likely destinations.
Al-Hilal are said to have offered Messi a contract offer that would see him earn double what Cristiano Ronaldo is being paid by fellow Saudi side Al-Nassr. Barcelona, meanwhile, have made no secret of their desire to re-sign Messi.
And a new report from Goal claims the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner has asked Al-Hilal to delay his move until 2024. It is claimed Messi's entourage made the request at a meeting on Monday, leaving Al-Hilal 'surprised'.
As a result, they informed Messi that any offer made next year would differ from the £435m-a-year deal currently on the table. It comes after Messi's father and agent, Jorge, met with Barcelona and admitted his son is keen on a return to the club.
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Speaking to JijantesFC after the meeting, Jorge said: "He would love to return." And Barcelona boss Xavi says there is "no doubt" his former teammate would make a huge impact should he decide to return.
"If Messi were to return, he would help us in what we are wanting to achieve with our football," Xavi told Spanish outlet Sport. "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.
Lionel Messi is leaving Paris Saint-Germain after two years in the French capital (ABACA/PA Images)"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."