Al-Hilal Makes Mind-Boggling Offer to Lionel Messi: Reports Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal has significantly increased its salary proposal to Lionel Messi, now exceeding $500 million per year, as per Catalan businessman Jaume Roures.
Roures, the owner of Mediapro, had previously backed FC Barcelona's president Joan Laporta by providing €30 million ($32.5 million) in guarantees during the 2021 election.
In the summer of 2022, Roures further supported the club by acquiring a 24.5% stake in Barca Studios for €100 million ($108 million), which became known as the fourth 'economic lever.'
These levers played a crucial role in securing new signings such as Robert Lewandowski, Jules Kounde, and Raphinha, leading Barcelona to clinch their first La Liga title in four years. With their recent championship victory, the focus now shifts to strengthening the team for the 2023/2024 season.
At the top of their transfer priorities lies the pursuit of their legendary player Lionel Messi, whose contract with Paris Saint-Germain expires on June 30.
Lionel Messi's Return to Barcelona Possible as Al-Hilal Raises Offer to $500 Million Annually: Roures Renowned businessman Jaume Roures shared insights during his appearance on Cadena SER's Qué t'hi jugues program, discussing the potential return of Lionel Messi to Barcelona and shedding light on Al-Hilal's pursuit of the Argentine.
Roures expressed optimism about Messi's comeback, despite Al-Hilal's staggering offer of over $500 million per year. He noted that Messi's unsatisfactory experience in Paris, coupled with Cristiano Ronaldo's struggles in Saudi Arabia, could play a significant role in his decision.
"Leo has always expressed his desire to return to Barcelona, and this sentiment carries significant weight," Roures stated.
While El Nacional suggested that the operation may accelerate in a month's time, Roures anticipated significant developments even sooner.
"May? I believe so. It is likely to be decided in May," he revealed.
Denials Surface as Messi's Camp and Al-Hilal Dismiss Agreement Claims Amidst reports from El Chiringuito stating that Lionel Messi has accepted a €350 million ($377 million) annual offer from Al-Hilal, both Messi's father and agent Jorge Messi, and the Saudi club have officially denied any agreement.
While the claims made by the Spanish football program and Roures remain uncertain, if Messi were to accept a concrete offer, he would automatically claim the top spot on Forbes' World's Highest-Paid Athletes list for 2024, a position currently held by Cristiano Ronaldo with Messi finishing second this year.
Meanwhile, Barcelona President Joan Laporta has pledged to go to great lengths to secure Messi's return, offering him a reported annual salary of €25 million ($27 million) at the club, as per SPORT.
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