Local rivals Al Hilal are considering a move for Lionel Messi in the wake of Al Nassr’s sensational acquisition of Cristiano Ronaldo.
This is an interesting move for both the player and Messi fans all around the world. With online sports betting in Betinasia, bettors can bet on the outcome of football matches worldwide, and many would love to place a cheeky bet on who will come out on top if these two ever play against each other again.
Ronaldo’s second stint at Manchester United ended abruptly after an interview with Piers Morgan blew up. During this interview, he criticized the club’s current state, amongst many other things, and it quickly became evident to everyone that he wanted out. However, his move to Saudi Arabia was a shock as he indicated during the interview that he still felt he could compete at the highest level. With the greatest respect for his new club, many thought he could secure a move to one more European giant.
Ronaldo, a five-time Ballon d’Or winner from Portugal, was officially introduced by his new club last week. After weeks of rumors and conjecture surrounding his January transfer to Al Nassr
Mundo Deportivo, a Spanish sports news outlet, reports that Al Hilal, one of Al Nassr’s biggest rivals, is trying to sign Ronaldo’s longtime opponent, Lionel Messi.
Al Hilal is said to be willing to pay the Argentine star a massive salary of at least $300 million per year. I know! But this is where football has grown to, and this is the type of money Messi can now demand.
Messi has ties to Saudi Arabia that could benefit Al Hilal in pursuing the superstar. Right now, Messi is representing Saudi Arabia as a tourism ambassador. The Saudi government is said to be interested in providing financial assistance to improve Al Hilal’s chances of signing Messi.
The Saudi government thinks that having two of the world’s best football players will boost the quality of play in Saudi Arabia’s leagues. The focus it would put on their country would also be significant.
Messi’s PSG is scheduled to play a friendly against a Middle Eastern squad comprised of the top players from Al Nassr and Al Hilal, where Ronaldo might make his debut. Manager Rudi Garcia has hinted that the 22nd of January could see Ronaldo’s first start against Al Ettifaq during the Saudi Professional League.
Al-Hilal also recently stocked their club store with ‘Messi 10’ shirts, revealing where they stand in the ongoing issue. A photo featuring the Messi shirts in Al Hilal’s blue colors has been making the rounds on social media, and it has been getting a lot of attention.
Paris Saint-Germain will play a combined XI from Al Hilal and Al Nassr in a midseason friendly. This means that Ronaldo and Messi, who have won 12 Ballon d’Ors between them, may play against each other for the last time.