Saudi Arabia's 'exceptional' Lionel Messi offer 'is worth €1BILLION'

Saudi Arabia's recruitment drive to land seven-time Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi has seen them offer a two-year contract worth €1billion (£887m), a new report has claimed.

Messi's future at Paris Saint-Germain is under the microscope following a recent suspension for an unauthorised trip to Saudi Arabia for a commercial deal.

Despite dismissals of claims of a 'done deal' to take the Argentine star to Saudi Arabia, French newspaper L'Equipe have detailed how much the 'exceptional' offer on the table for Messi is worth.

L'Equipe claim it totals a staggering €1bn over two seasons, with the option of a third.

If he penned such a monstrous deal, it would be worth double what Cristiano Ronaldo is earning at Saudi side Al-Nassr.

There remains some doubt as to whether Saudi Arabia appeals to Messi - and his wife - as he is said to be eager to stay in a competitive setting to continue at a high level for Argentina.

Copa America takes place in 2024 and the World Cup is in 2026, both of which may appeal if Messi can continue to maintain his fitness.

The report goes on to add that Messi 'does not want to rush anything', even with Saudi executives keen to 'force his hand a little' in order to secure the signature of both Ronaldo and Messi in their top league.

There was a flurry of activity on Tuesday after it was claimed Messi to Saudi Arabia was a 'done deal'.

Jorge Messi, his father, released the statement after a Saudi source told AFP that the 35-year-old would be 'playing in Saudi next season' and that the move was a 'done deal'.

Messi's dad said:  'There is absolutely nothing with any club for next year. The decision will never be made before Lionel finished the league with PSG.

'Once the season is over it will be time to analyse and see what is there, and then make a decision.

'There are always rumors 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. Neither 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 rumor into news or that is directed by someone in favor 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".'

But there are also critics to the idea of Messi, considered by many to be the greatest footballer of all time, heading to Saudi Arabia.

During a debate on Ziggo Sport's Rondo discussing Messi's next move, Marco Van Basten said: 'I think it's poor. That you still have to go there for a lot of money.

'You've earned plenty, go do things you like. I can't imagine that. You are your own boss, aren't you? You can play football wherever you want, right?'