The future of Lionel Messi has been a subject of intense speculation following the conclusion of his two-season stint with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).

Reports have emerged claiming that the Argentine superstar has accepted an astronomical £1 billion offer to join Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal. While Messi’s preference was believed to be a return to Barcelona, the financial details of the proposed deal, which would span two years, appear to have enticed his camp.

This development has overshadowed the impending departures of Messi’s former Barcelona teammates, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba.

According to Foot Mercato, Lionel Messi’s representatives have reached an agreement with Al-Hilal, paving the way for the Argentine maestro to join the Saudi Arabian club. The reported deal is valued at nearly £1 billion (€1.2 billion) over two years, making it one of the most lucrative contracts in the history of football.

This staggering sum would exceed Cristiano Ronaldo’s earnings in Saudi Arabia, where he currently plays for Al-Hilal’s rivals, Al-Nassr. Despite Messi’s desire to return to his beloved boyhood club, Barcelona, financial considerations seem to have played a significant role in his decision-making process.

While Lionel Messi’s father and agent, Jorge Messi, had previously denied reports linking his son to a move to Saudi Arabia, the latest information from Foot Mercato suggests that a deal has been accepted.

It is worth noting that Messi’s suspension by PSG for an unsanctioned trip to Saudi Arabia added fuel to the speculation surrounding his future.

The decision to accept the staggering offer from Al-Hilal, which reportedly includes the highest-ever agent commission from a transfer, indicates a departure from Messi’s preferred choice of returning to Barcelona. His former teammates Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba are also set to leave the Catalan club.

Lionel Messi’s future has taken an unexpected turn, with reports suggesting that he has accepted an astonishing £1 billion offer from Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal.

This move comes despite Messi’s desire to return to Barcelona, where he achieved great success and spent the majority of his career.

While the financial details of the deal have seemingly swayed Messi’s camp, the news overshadows the imminent departures of his former Barcelona teammates Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba. The football world eagerly awaits official confirmation regarding Messi’s next destination.