Argentine Superstar Lionel Messi Gets Huge Honour in Saudi Arabia As PSG Star Travels to Jeddah

• Lionel Messi has been appointed by Saudi Arabia as the Argentine superstar becomes the country’s latest ambassador of tourism
• The Argentine international has had a relatively unimpressive season, far from what he is usually known for
• The Saudi Arabia Minister for Tourism Al-Khatib stated that the country is delighted to have the PSG star partner with them

Five-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi arrived in Jeddah on Monday as he becomes Saudi Arabia’s latest ambassador of tourism, Middle East Monitor reports.

Reports have it the Paris Saint-Germain superstar was spotted in Jeddah alongside teammate Leandro Paredes and the country’s Minister of Tourism Al-Khatib expressed delight over the partnership.

The minister took to social media to announce the partnership, saying Saudi Arabia is delighted to explore such an opportunity.

Ahmed Al-Khatib on Twitter

"Today, I am pleased to welcome Lionel Messi to Saudi Arabia.

"We are excited for you to explore the treasure of the Red Sea, the Jeddah Season and our ancient history. This is not his first visit to the Kingdom and it will not be the last."

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Messi, 34, has a strong friendship with Turki Al-Sheikh, the head of the Saudi General Entertainment Authority.

The footballer arrived in Jeddah on Monday accompanied by a group of friends. He transferred to Paris Saint-Germain Football Club from FC Barcelona last year.

Ligue 1 ignores Messi in shortlist for Player of the Season award

Meanwhile, Ligue 1 has excluded Lionel Messi from the final shortlist for the Player of the Season award. Messi's exclusion from the prestigious prize comes after an underwhelming debut season in the French top flight with Paris Saint-Germain.

The seven-time Ballon d'Or star moved to the French capital last summer, sealing a sensational transfer to PSG from Barcelona.

Owing to his previous performances in the La Liga, many had predicted the star forward would dominate the French Ligue 1.

Messi flies to Spain to take some time off

Sports Brief earlier reported that Paris Saint-Germain superstar Lionel Messi took some time off to enjoy a holiday in Spain.

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Messi flew to Spain with his wife Antonela Rocuzzo and was pictured enjoying a meal with his former teammate Sergio Busquets. Messi was eating at a hotel owned by one of his closest friends Luis Suarez.

Suarez however didn’t manage to make it to the reunion. He owns the beachside eatery of Chalito in Barcelona.