Report: Lionel Messi ready for extraordinary move to Saudi Arabia – to play alongside Cristiano Ronaldo

Lionel Messi could be about to leave Europe for a stint in the Middle East – playing against long-time frenemy, Cristiano Ronaldo.

That's the incredible claim coming from El Chiringuito, who say that the World Cup winner has not "ruled out" the opportunity to make the move. Messi has linked up with Saudi Arabia in the past, courting controversy to become an ambassador for the Gulf State. 

With the Middle Eastern nation planning things in football, it seems as if the No.10 could join Ronaldo to become the centrepiece of a new project.

Egypt, Greece, and Saudi Arabia have confirmed a joint bid for the 2030 World Cup, which like the 2022 edition of the tournament, could well be staged during the winter, due to climate concerns. 

Many have labelled the bid part of a larger football sportswashing campaign, however, which has already seen the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia take over Newcastle United, their tourism board sponsoring the 2023 Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, their hosting of the 2023 Club World Cup, and Cristiano Ronaldo signing for Al Nassr this year. 

There is, however, the obstacle that Saudi Arabia is a member of the AFC. The rotation of the World Cup prevents nations in the Asian federation from hosting World Cup until 2034. 

Messi's father is, according to El Chiringuito demanding a salary of €600 million from Al-Hilal in order to join the side. Ronaldo is said to be earning a quarter of that. 

The future of Paris Saint-Germain star Messi is still up in the air with his contract set to expire in the summer. Barcelona are said to be keen on bringing him back to Camp Nou for a homecoming, while Major League Soccer could launch their own bid.

Messi is still valued at €50m by Transfermarkt. 

More stories on Lionel Messi

Recently, Lionel Messi won the best men's player at Best FIFA Awards 2022, while the Flea surpassed the 700-goal mark for his career this season, too. 

It's been revealed that Messi helped end his Argentina cup curse through tarot cards and that the iconic photo of Messi lifting the World Cup did in fact feature a replica. Inter Miami have confirmed interest in the star, though PSG are working on a new contract. He could even appear at the 2026 World Cup, according to a team-mate. 

Diego Maradona's former team-mate Bernd Schuster, meanwhile, has claimed he reckons Maradona would have been better than Messi, had he played in the modern day.