Getty Image / Catherine Steenkeste
2022 was the year of Lionel Messi. The Argentine global soccer superstar had accomplished all there is to accomplish in a soccer career, except one thing, a World Cup title.
The 35-year-old and Barcelona legend transferred to French club Paris Saint-German after his illustrious career in Spain. As a member of some of the greatest club teams of all time, he won 10 La Liga Championships and four Champions Leagues. His 672 goals for Barcelona are the most of any player for any club. His move to PSG came in 2021, and he immediately helped the club win a Ligue 1 title.
Entering the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, expectations were high for Lionel Messi and his Argentina squad. But, a loss to Saudi Arabia in their opening match threatened to derail the whole tournament. They rallied, though, and Messi played a masterpiece match in the World Cup Finals, a win over France in penalties, to raise the country and elevate himself into the all-time sports pantheon. He was also given the Golden Ball, given to the top player in the tournament.
Messi’s contract will be expiring at PSG at the end of this season, and rumors are flying that he may go back to Barcelona, maybe move to the MLS, or even stay in Paris. But, one Saudi club has offered him a bag to come play for them, according to Fabrizio Romano. Romano is the Adam Schefter of the soccer world.
🚨 Understand Al Hilal sent an official bid to Leo Messi: salary worth more than €400m/year.
◉ Leo’s absolute priority: continue in Europe.
◉ Barcelona, waiting on FFP to send bid and open talks.
◉ PSG bid, not accepted at this stage as Messi wanted sporting guarantees. pic.twitter.com/FVTDGs4eQV
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 4, 2023
€400 million is a lot of money, to say the least. That’s nearly double the amount that his contemporary rival Cristiano Ronaldo is getting from fellow Saudi club Al Nassr after he moved from Manchester United this winter.
It sounds like Lionel Messi prefers to stay in a top European league, as he should, as he’s still one of the world’s best players. He has an impressive 18 goals in just 33 games this year.