Lionel Messi in Talks Over Move to Saudi Arabia That Would Surpass Cristiano Ronaldo Deal

• Lionel Messi could resurrect his long-standing rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia
• The 35-year-old is reportedly discussing a world record transfer with the Saudi government
• Meanwhile, Messi is said to be leaving Paris Saint-Germain at the end of the current season

Lionel Messi is reportedly in negotiations to move to a top Saudi Arabian club for a staggering £320 million a year.

The 35-year-old is expected to leave Paris Saint-Germain after the current campaign when his contract ends, after two years in the French capital.

The Argentine maestro is said to have already opened talks over his future move, with Saudi Arabia being one of his potential destinations.

The Daily Telegraph claims that Messi and the Saudi government are in talks over a football contract that would set a new world record.

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By comparison, Ronaldo's mega-deal with Al-Nassr which he signed until 2025, is worth nearly half at £175 mil per year, Talk Sport reports.

That would make Messi the highest-paid player in world football, and it is a deal that clubs in Europe could only dream of matching.

It might result in the Saudi Pro League featuring arguably the two best players the world has ever seen.

As the traditional rivals to Al-Nassr, Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad have been rumoured to sign Messi ahead of the next campaign.

This would see the two veterans square off again, just as they did during their days with Real Madrid and Barcelona.

PSG upset over Messi's Saudi trip

Meanwhile, Messi’s recent trip to Saudi Arabia has cast a shadow over his future with the Ligue 1 champions, Sports Brief previously reported.

The 35-year-old reportedly approached PSG coach, Christophe Galtier and the club's sporting director, Luis Campos over flying to the Middle East.

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However, Messi is said to have directly to the club's top management when permission to visit Saudi was not granted by his managers.

PSG suspends Messi over trip

In related news, Sports Brief reported on PSG suspending Messi for two weeks after his unauthorised trip to Saudi Arabia.

Permission for his flight to the Middle East was reportedly denied after the French club's home against Lorient on Sunday.

PSG is said to have opened disciplinary proceedings against Messi, who will not train or play for PSG for the next fortnight.