May 10 – Lionel Messi’s father has denied reports that his son – Paris Saint-Germain star and World Cup winner – will move to Saudi Arabia in a head-spinning money deal that some reports have pegged at $1 billion over two seasons.
On Tuesday, media claimed that the Argentinean had signed for Al Hilal. However, Jorge Messi issued a statement saying that the reports were ‘fake news’.
Speculation has been rife over Messi’s destination after his breakdown with the PSG hierarchy over an unauthorised trip to Saudi Arabia to fulfil obligations as an ambassador for the Arab Kingdom.
Jorge Messi said: “There is absolutely nothing with any club for next year. The decision will never be made before Lionel finishes the league with PSG.
“Once the season is over it will be time to analyse and see what is there, and then make a decision. There are always rumors and many use the name of Lionel to gain notoriety but the truth is only one and we can assure that there is nothing with anyone. Neither verbal, nor signed, nor agreed, and there will not be until the end of the season.
“It seems to me a lack of respect towards the media where they respond, that there are those who consciously and deliberately deceive, without providing any proof of their claims, and wanting to turn any malicious rumor into news or that is directed by someone in favor of their interests.”
French press agency AFP broke the news that Messi would be playing in Saudi Arabia next season, based on their sources. Al Hilal’s interest in Messi has reportedly been growing in recent weeks.
The Argentinean’s exit from PSG has been months in the making. Last December, he won the World Cup with his national team in Qatar, but since then his relationship with the PSG hierarchy has deteriorated.
Contact the writer of this story at moc.l1735760563labto1735760563ofdlr1735760563owedi1735760563sni@i1735760563tnuk.1735760563ardni1735760563mas1735760563