Lionel Messi's potential return to Barcelona deemed unlikely, PSG star's father pushing for Saudi Arabia move: Reports

According to La Porteria, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) superstar Lionel Messi's return to Barcelona is in jeopardy as the Argentine's father is pushing a move to Saudi Arabia.

Messi's current deal with the Parisian club runs out at the end of the season. As per Fabrizio Romano, the 2022 FIFA World Cup winner will leave upon the expiration of his contract.

He has been widely linked with a return to Barcelona. However, the latest report suggests that the potential return is in jeopardy and it further claimed that Jorge Messi, Lionel's father, is pushing for a move to the Middle East.

Lionel Messi has a reported £320 million per year offer from Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal on the table. The Argentine moving to Saudi Arabia will reignite his rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo, who currently plays for Al-Nassr.

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PSG superstar Lionel Messi's father previously dismissed Saudi Arabia claims

There were reports that PSG superstar Lionel Messi has already agreed on a move to Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal. Jorge Messi, however, issued a strong statement, dismissing those claims.

He claimed that the reports are false and Messi hasn't yet signed any deal with a club regarding his future. The statement from the senior Messi read (h/t Fabrizio Romano on Twitter):

"There’s absolutely NOTHING agreed with any club for next season. We won’t do anything now — and we will decide at the end of the current season... I can guarantee that it will never be decided before the end of current season with Paris Saint-Germain."

He added:

“Leo Messi’s name is always used around — but we can guarantee that there’s NOTHING signed, agreed or even verbally agreed and it won’t happen now... It’s full of fake news around with no proof of what these ‘media’ say in public to invent stories and with zero respect — why don’t they check their news?"

While Lionel Messi is already 35, he remains an amazing player. Signing the Argentine will also help any club elevate its profile in terms of brand and sponsorships. Where the Argentine ends up remains to be seen.