PSG superstar Lionel Messi agrees stunning £262m-a-year deal to rekindle Cristiano Ronaldo rivalry in Saudi Arabia: Reports

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo could rekindle their intense rivalry in the Saudi Arabian top flight next season, if reports are anything to go by. The Argentine maestro has been tipped to follow in the footsteps of his eternal rival by switching to the Middle East.

According to a report from Spanish outlet El Chiringuito TV (via Express), Lionel Messi has agreed to sign for Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal as he nears the end of his contract with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).

As per the report, the playmaker's contract with the Middle Eastern club would be worth a staggering £262 million per year, which would give him one of the most lucrative contracts in the history of the sport.

Al Hilal are reportedly determined to do every possible thing to ensure that they secure the Argentine's signature. They are said to be pulling the strings to snap up his former Barcelona teammates Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba and reunite the trio in Riyadh.

It appears that Lionel Messi has reached the end of the road in Paris. The Argentine has turned down multiple offers from the French club and is eager to be on the move this summer, with Al Hilal in prime position to snap him up.

Should Messi end up joining the Saudi Arabian side, he could reignite his rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese icon left Manchester United following his controversial interview with British broadcaster Piers Morgan and ended up joining Al Nassr in the winter transfer window.

Cristiano Ronaldo has been in sensational form since joining the Saudi Arabian outfit. So far, he has 15 appearances for the club across all competitions, recording 12 goals and two assists to his name. It would be interesting to see the two rivals square off in the Saudi top flight next season.

Brazil legend Rivaldo slams Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo over Saudi Arabian links

The duo could face each other in the Saudi league next term.

The former Selecao attacking midfielder isn't impressed by Messi and Ronaldo's increasing association with Saudi clubs and made his feelings clear during an interview with AS. Rivaldo said:

“I understand that sometimes players are fooled by the big contracts they sign in Saudi Arabia. But then life there is more closed and soccer is not always as easy as they expect. Maybe he’s [Ronaldo] going through a period of disappointment and even reflection. Is the money he’s being paid make up for the not-so-happy life he’s living right now?"

Rivaldo added:

"This happens to every player and Messi himself will soon be able to experience that. It would be good for him and for football to see Cristiano Ronaldo return to Real Madrid to finish his career. Of course, the fans have to understand that they can’t demand the same from him as they did when he was 25 or 26 years old but he can still help the club achieve more."