Lionel Messi’s father provides update on forward’s future

Messi is expected to leave PSG at the end of the season

AFP reported on Tuesday that the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner was set to sign a huge contract worth a staggering £522 million at the Saudi club and that it was a "done deal".

However Lionel's father Jorge released a statement playing down those reports and insisting that nothing had been agreed and any conversations about his son's future would take place at the end of the season.

"There is absolutely nothing with anyone for next year," he said in a statement.

"The decision will never be made before Lionel finishes 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 rumours and many use the name of Lionel to gain notoriety but the truth is only one and we can assure you that there is nothing with anyone.

"Neither verbal, nor signed, nor agreed, and there will not be until the end of the season."

In the last few weeks, Messi’s relationship with his current club PSG has collapsed.

Having joined the French champions in 2021, it looks like he has played his final game for them after falling out with the club.

Leo has been suspended by PSG after he missed a training session without permission due to a commercial commitment in Saudi Arabia.

This comes as his relationship with fans has become increasingly fraught.

Reports last week suggested the Argentina legend had played his last game for the Parisian side, and Messi has since released a statement apologising to the club and his teammates.

Messi had been heavily linked with a return to Barcelona this summer, but it is widely accepted that this is not financially viable for the Catalan club.

The club needs to slash their wage bill by £180m to meet strict LaLiga rules – something European clubs are fully aware of.

Related links:

• Lionel Messi move to Saudi Arabia a ‘done deal’, according to reports
• Furious Cristiano Ronaldo caught in altercation with opposition staff following draw
• Neymar likes two posts about PSG future after fans storm his house