Messi Not Interested in Move to Saudi Arabia Amid Reports of Lucrative Deals

• Lionel Messi is set to stay at Paris Saint-Germain amid links to the Middle East
• Messi's current contract with Les Parisiens expires in the summer
• Despite interest from clubs in the Middle East, the 35-year-old is close to finalising a deal to remain at PSG

Paris Saint-Germain forward Lionel Messi is not interested in a move to Saudi Arabia, according to Spanish football expert Guillem Balague.

Messi, who emerged as the Golden Ball winner after guiding Argentina to its third World Cup, has been linked to a move away from Paris as his current contract nears its expiration.

Recent reports suggest the 35-year-old has been offered an eyewatering £245m to move to the Middle East by Al-Hilal, per Barca Universal.

However, Balague has poured cold water on the reports indicating such a deal has not been tabled before Leo Messi.

Maradona vs. Pele: Who is the greatest footballer of all-time?

Football

"There hasn't been an offer [from Al Hilal]," says Balague as quoted by BBC.

Rather, the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner is close to finalising a deal to remain with the French champions.

"PSG and Messi are organising a meeting in the next few weeks to finalise the deal that will keep him in Paris."

"Right now, his motivation is to stay in Europe," Balague added.

Since winning the World Cup in Qatar last month, Messi has set for himself new targets as claimed by Balague.

"He is the favourite to win the Ballon d'Or, he is still in the Champions League, and he has big targets after winning the World Cup.

"Not only does it make no sense to approach him with that offer, but it also hasn't existed."

Saudi Arabia World Cup squad 2022: Who's in, and who's out?

Football

Messi will be looking forward to increase his tally for PSG when the Parisians come face to face with Rennes after scoring in his first game since winning the World Cup.

Al-Ittihad shows interest in Messi

Meanwhile, reports emanating from the Middle East indicate that Al-Ittihad has joined Al-Hilal in the race for Paris Saint-Germain forward.

Earlier this week Barca Universal claimed that Al-Hilal were willing to fork out £245 million for the Argentine genius.

But per GOAL, Al-Ittihad are now also believed to have shown interest in the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner - with the league looking to increase its star power following Cristiano Ronaldo's move to Al-Nassr.

Messi scores in first post-World Cup game

Sports Brief earlier reported that Lionel Messi marked his return to club football in style, scoring in his first post-World Cup match for Paris Saint-Germain.

The 35-year-old world champion found the back of the net as PSG returned to winning ways, posting a 2-0 victory over Angers on Wednesday evening.

Messi will do what he knows best, influencing the game, as the seven-time Ballon d'Or stroked home from close range to double PSG's lead.