Saudi Arabia.. Messi and his former teammates at Barcelona are closing in on Al Hilal.

International star Lionel Messi is close to joining the ranks of Saudi Al-Hilal after speculation over the Argentina national team captain’s future with his French side Paris Saint-Germain has swirled in recent days.

According to Reuters, a source close to Messi said the player has received an official offer from Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal in light of his failure to extend his contract with the French capital club.

Messi turned down an offer to return to FC Barcelona and accepted an offer to join Al Hilal this summer, initially for 600 million euros ($662 million annually), according to Spanish soccer sports talk show (El Chiringuito).

According to Sports, Barcelona captain Sergio Busquets and Catalan left-back Jordi Alba are set to join the Saudi Arabian squad, joined by former team-mate Messi.

Messi, who turns 36 next month, received an offer from Al Hilal for 400 million euros, the equivalent of about $440 million, according to the “Al Hilal” website.Forbes“.

Private sources told the daily.Ocas” Saudi Arabia is close to signing former Spain and Barcelona coach Luis Enrique to lead Al-Hilal club Al-Azraq, moving closer to the settlement of “leader” Messi’s contract.

A month ago, he received an offer of about 320 million pounds per year from the captain of the Argentine national team, Al Hilal, but according to “Ocas”, he is in no hurry to accept it.

Saudi Arabia appointed Messi as an ambassador for tourism last year and he traveled to Jeddah in May 2022, then returned in January to play in friendlies with Paris Saint-Germain against Al-Nasr and Al-Hilal, and to face Cristiano Ronaldo. “Reuters”.