Lionel Messi’s father has denied claims his son has agreed to leave Paris Saint-Germain this summer and move to Saudi Arabia.
Messi is into the final few months of his contract at PSG and he is not expected to sign a new deal.
The 35-year-old has been linked with a number of moves, including a return to Barcelona or a switch to MLS side Inter Miami.
Most recently, it has been reported that the Argentina star would head to Saudi Arabia this summer with Al-Hilal tipped to seal his signature.
Some reports have claimed Messi could earn £320million per season, while Agence France-Presse ran a story on Tuesday saying a deal was done with an unnamed club.
“Messi is a done deal. He will play in Saudi Arabia next season,” a source told AFP, speaking on condition of anonymity. “The contract is exceptional. It’s huge. We are just finalising some small details.”
Messi’s father, Jorge, has now moved to pour cold water on those rumours by posting a statement on Instagram.
“There is absolutely nothing with any club for next year. The decision will never be made before Lionel ends the league with PSG,” he wrote.
“Once the season is over it will be time to analyse and see what is there, and then make a decision.
“There are always rumours and many use the name of Lionel to gain notoriety but the truth is only one and we can assure that there is nothing with anyone. Nothing verbal, nor signed, nor agreed, and there will not be until the end of the season.
“It seems to me a lack of respect towards the media where they respond, that there are those who consciously and deliberately deceive, without providing any proof of their claims, and wanting to turn any malicious rumour into news or that is directed by someone in favour of their interests.
“They would have to explain why they don't contrast the information... They don't want a truth to ruin their news.”
