Lionel Messi’s father said Tuesday that no arrangement has been reached for a move to Saudi Arabia or Barcelona.
Jorge Messi stated nothing would be determined before PSG’s season ends on June 3. Messi’s contract with Paris Saint-Germain extends until June.
Jorge Messi wrote on Instagram, “There are always rumors and many use the name of Lionel to gain notoriety but there’s only one truth and we can assure you that there is nothing with anyone. “Nothing until the end of the season.”
Tuesday’s speculation focused on Argentina’s World Cup winner’s next club. Inter Miami in Major League Soccer is also want the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner, but staying at PSG appears improbable.
French media said that Messi has a verbal agreement with an undisclosed Saudi club, putting him back in the same level as Cristiano Ronaldo. Fabrizio Romano, a soccer transfer gossip expert, tweeted to his 14.6 million followers that there will be no decision till after the season.
Jorge Messi confirmed.
“No agreement with any club for next season,” he posted on Instagram. “The decision won’t be made until Lionel finishes the season with PSG. We’ll evaluate at season’s end.”
PSG finishes the season at home at Clermont. Messi leads the league with 15 goals and 15 assists.
Barcelona and Al Hilal want Messi, 36 next month, who wants to play for Argentina. Argentina hosts Ecuador in September for 2026 World Cup qualifying.
Last week’s trip to Saudi Arabia and PSG’s ban for the illegal absence have reignited speculation that Messi may play in the Middle East if he departs Paris. According to a French media story, Messi signed a 500 million euro ($548 million) deal with an unnamed Saudi team.
The Associated Press asked PSG if Messi has a departure arrangement. Last month, Messi was connected to Al Hilal in Riyadh, where Ronaldo plays for Al Nassr.
In January, Qatari-owned PSG played Al Nassr and Al Hilal in an exhibition game in Riyadh. Messi faced Ronaldo. In a regional rivalry driven by Qatar hosting last year’s World Cup, Ronaldo’s visit has raised Saudi Arabia’s soccer profile in the Middle East.
As Saudi Arabia hosts the Club World Cup for the first time in December, having Messi play Ronaldo would benefit the country even more.
After PSG lifted his suspension, Messi returned to training this week. He missed practice Monday after PSG’s 3-1 loss to Lorient. The club suspended him last Tuesday.
Messi apologized to PSG and his teammates for traveling without permission.
After tearfully leaving Barcelona in 2021, Messi joined PSG on a two-year contract with an option for an additional year. Messi’s contract expires in June, but talks to extend failed, making his departure likely.
Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez wants his former teammate to return.
