Lionel Messi has been welcomed to Saudi Arabia with open arms by a government minister amid speculation linking the football icon with a move to the Middle East.
The Barcelona legend arrived in the country’s capital Riyadh on Monday while on a mini-holiday with his family.
GETTY1Messi in the Middle East will fuel speculation surrounding his future
Messi was given permission to travel to the Gulf State by his current club Paris Saint-Germain.
Christopher Gaultier’s side were defeated 3-1 by Lorient on Sunday, but remain five points clear at the top of Ligue 1.
Messi missed his side’s behind the closed training session in the French capital on Monday, but PSG are handing their stars a day off on Tuesday.
The 35-year-old is expected to re-join his teammates when all are put through their paces on Wednesday, ahead of their clash with Troyes on Sunday.
“I am pleased to welcome Leo and his family on their second vacation here”, the Minister of Tourism, Ahmed Al Khateeb, wrote on social media.
The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner could be seen enjoying some time with his family, with wife Antonella and children, Thiago and Mateo, present.
The Argentinian World Cup winner is expected to leave PSG on the expiry of his contract.
In January, Messi was linked with a move to Al Hilal in the Saudi Pro League, in a deal worth a whopping £245million per year.
He has also be touted with a sensational move back to Barcelona, following his shock departure in 2021, with his former teammates, including Jordi Alba, desperate to see him return.
David Beckham’s Inter Miami has been talked of as a potential destination too.
