Lionel Messi's move to Saudi Arabia is a 'DONE DEAL', with the world's best footballer taking £522MILLION contract at Al-Hilal and reigniting his Cristiano Ronaldo rivalry

Lionel Messi's sensational big-money move to Saudi Arabia from Paris Saint-Germain this summer is a 'done deal', according to reports in France.

Veteran Messi, 35, widely seen as the world's best footballer, will sign a massive contract worth £522million at Saudi side Al-Hilal despite the reported concerns of his wife Antonela Roccuzzo.

The move will see him reignite his rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo, who plays for Al-Hilal's rivals Al-Nassr in the controversial Gulf state.




And according to AFP, a Saudi source close to the negotiations confirmed on Tuesday morning that Messi will be playing in Saudi next season, labelling the transfer 'huge'.

The source, speaking anonymously, added the move is now a 'done deal'. But Messi's father, Jorge, has shut down the reports and insisted no decision has been made about his son's club for next season.

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Forward Lionel Messi's move to Saudi Arabia this summer is a 'done deal', according to reports

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Argentine Messi has reportedly signed a massive £522million contract with Saudi side Al-Hilal

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The Cup winner is already a tourism ambassador for the controversial Middle Eastern nation
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Jorge took to social media to say: 'There is absolutely nothing with any club for next year. The decision will never be made before Lionel finished the league with PSG.

'Once the season is over it will be time to analyse and see what is there, and then make a decision. There are always rumors and many use the name of Lionel to gain notoriety but the truth is only one and we can assure that there is nothing with anyone. Neither verbal, nor signed, nor agreed, and there will not be until the end of the season.




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'It seems to me a lack of respect towards the media where they respond, that there are those who consciously and deliberately deceive, without providing any proof of their claims, and wanting to turn any malicious rumor into news or that is directed by someone in favor of their interests.'

It comes after Messi's entourage also told GetFootballNewsFrance that no agreement had yet been reached with the Saudi outfit. PSG did not make a comment to AFP, other than restating that Messi's contract lasts until June 30 this summer.

French newspaper L'Equipe had earlier claimed a verbal agreement had been reached but no contract had yet been signed.

It was reported earlier on Tuesday that his wife Antonela 'could not imagine' moving their family to Saudi Arabia, in what remains a potential stumbling block to the move.

She is reportedly reluctant for the couple, along with their three young sons - Thiago, 10, Mateo, 7, and Ciro, 5 - to relocate to the Middle East and she would prefer to stay in Europe.

And Messi had reportedly been prepared to wait until the end of the season to make his decision after discussing his future with his family - but it now appears those concerns have been allayed, with Messi set to move to Saudi capital city Riyadh.

L'Equipe claim the offer on the table for Messi is a two-year deal with the option of a third, which would see the player turn 38 before it expires.

It was also said Messi himself would have preferred to stay in Europe, with the star reportedly keeping an eye on the financial situation at former club Barcelona.