Messi spotted in Saudi Arabia after Barcelona transfer blow

Tom Weber

• Updated: 1 May 2023 16:04 BST
• 3 min read

Lionel Messi was spotted at Riyadh airport after Barcelona were ostensibly dealt a big blow in their pursuit of the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner.

The Messi transfer saga rumbles on unabated. Long-linked with a return to Barcelona seeing as though his contract with Paris Saint-Germain is unlikely to be extended, Messi's hopes of returning to his former club took a hit when reports in Spain suggested that a deal was off the table for now with the Blaugrana unable to gain approval from LaLiga for their financial viability plan.

Indeed, there were suggestions that a move had become 'impossible.' Shortly thereafter, however, other Spanish outlets shifted to the other end of the extreme and claimed that LaLiga had actually already given the go-ahead for Barcelona's ambitious plans. Whatever the case, one thing is clear: Messi is not in Barcelona to negotiate a deal.

READ: Messi’s Barca return IMPOSSIBLE as Laporta fails to answer to key question

Instead, he is in Saudi Arabia where he has previously been linked with a move to Riyadh giants Al-Hilal, the rivals of Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr. Messi reportedly rejected a €400 million-per-year offer to remain in Europe, but perhaps recent developments in Spain will force him to reconsider.

A trip for sponsorship reasons

Messi's latest trip to Saudi Arabia has reportedly nothing to do with a potential transfer, however. In a much-criticised move, the Argentine became a tourist ambassador for the country last year and this is likely why he is currently in Riyadh.

In fact, the latest post on the World Cup winner's Instagram account is a paid promotion in collaboration with Visit Saudi. "Who thought Saudi has so much green? I love to explore its unexpected wonders whenever I can," the post read.

READ: 'Real Madrid run Barcelona and Messi is a smokescreen!' claims Camp Nou insider

Nevertheless, rumours about a potential future in Saudi Arabia are unlikely to subside as long as Barcelona are mired in financial troubles. Indeed, the country is keen to lure more star players to its Pro League, and there is no bigger star than Lionel Messi.