Lionel Messi's father has revealed that his son has not agreed a summer transfer move amid rumours heavily linking him with a switch to Al-Hilal.
Messi, 35, is set to leave Paris Saint-Germain this summer after being suspended by the club for taking an unauthorised trip to Saudi Arabia. He still managed to pip team-mate Kylian Mbappe to the Laureus Sportsman of the Year 2023 award, though, having scored 15 goals and grabbed 15 assists in 28 Ligue 1 games this season.
However, Messi is out of contract at the end of the season and hasn't featured since a 3-1 defeat at home to Lorient last month. He returned to first-team training on Monday following his absence, but it is clear PSG are not happy with the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner for his actions.
That sparked rumours over a potential move to Saudi Arabia, which would see Messi pocket a staggering £320million-a-year deal - pipping Cristiano Ronaldo as the most-paid footballer on the planet. But Jorge Messi has shut down the talk of Messi already agreeing a switch to Saudi Arabia.
"There's absolutely nothing with no club for next year," he wrote on Instagram. "The decision will not be taken before Lionel finishes the league with PSG. Once the season is finished, that will be the time to analyse and see what there is, and then take a decision."
He added: "There are always rumours and lots of people use Lionel’s name to gain notoriety but there is only one truth and we can assure people that there is nothing with nobody. Not verbal, signed, agreed, and there won’t be until the season finishes.
"It seems like a lack of respect to me… that there are those who consciously and deliberately deceive people, without providing any proof of their affirmations, and wanting to turn into news any rumour that is badly intentioned or directed by somebody in favour of their interests. They should explain why they don’t check their information… They wouldn't want a truth to ruin their 'news'."
Al-Hilal aren't the only club reported to be interested in Messi. Barcelona have also made contact over a move for the attacking midfielder, who had spent his entire career at Camp Nou before moving to Paris.
Inter Miami have been linked with a pursuit, with manager Phil Neville responding to links in February, but Barca vice president Rafa Yuste has urged the World Cup winner to return to Catalunya - snubbing the MLS and the Saudi Pro League in the process.
"Leo and his family know the affection we have for them," Yuste said. "I participated in the [contract] negotiations that in the end did not come to fruition unfortunately and I still have that thorn in my side.
"Of course, I would love to see him return and I am sure that many fans share my feeling. I believe beautiful stories in life have to have happy endings and that’s why we are in contact with Messi, of course."
