Lionel Messi to play in Saudi Arabia next season: Reports

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Lionel Messi will emulate the footsteps of Cristiano Ronaldo and ply his trade in Saudi Arabia next season, according to reports.

Messi is currently signed for French club PSG, but the Argentina international is poised to leave them at the end of the season. He joined PSG on a two-year deal, and as it expires in June, Messi has no interest in renewing his deal.

He had a recent fallout with PSG involving an unauthorized trip to Saudi Arabia, and the player was suspended for two weeks by the French Club. Amid this, it was reported that Messi will certainly seek pastures new at the end of this season.

There are numerous suitors for the Argentine across the world. A move to MLS is linked, and several top European clubs are also said to be keen on bringing him as a free agent. But reports close to the player are saying otherwise.

According to AFP, a source close to Messi confirmed the former Barcelona ace is set to sign a humongous deal with a Saudi Arabia club next season. The name of the club is yet to be revealed, but Messi's recent affinity with the middle-east country suggests a move is on the cards.

"Messi is a done deal. He will play in Saudi Arabia next season," said the source.

It will be a big blow for Barcelona who wanted the World Cup 2022 winner back at their club. Messi joined Barcelona's academy in as a 16-year-old and has been a stalwart at the Spanish club.

He scored 666 goals for the Blaugranas across all competitions before leaving them for PSG in 2021. Messi also has 102 goals for Argentina in 165 appearances and has won the Copa America (2021) and the FIFA World Cup (2022) with his country.