It's been quite the month for Lionel Messi.
The Argentine World Cup winner, widely dubbed as the greatest player to have ever graced a football field, has gone from being suspended by PSG for an impromptu trip to Saudi Arabia - to having his season crowned with the Laureus Sportsman of the Year Award. And the frenzy around the 35-year-old it about to escalate further, with Messi now on the verge of returning to the Middle-East, but this time on a permanent basis.
With it confirmed the Parisian giants won't be extending his contract beyond the current campaign, the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner is negotiating a sensational multi-million pound deal with Al-Hilal. It's a move that would bring yet more exposure to the growing phenomenon that is the Saudi Pro League - not least because of the side-scripts that would accompany his arrival.
Barcelona reunions, a reignited rivalry, and fresh new debate over extortionate sums of money embracing the notion of 'sportswashing'. Messi's proposed move to the Gulf state will not be void of drama.
Barca blown away by Al-Hilal's mega offer
Messi's stint in Paris had seemingly soured long before his unauthorised jaunt to promote Saudi's bid for the 2030 World Cup.
Having failed to elevate the club to the Champions League glory they crave, the star has even been jeered by his own fans amid their indifferent domestic form - despite the Ligue 1 title remaining within their grasp. But since his move from Barcelona two years ago, Messi has never been able to shake the notion that his heart remained at the Nou Camp. Inevitable therefore, that the obvious disharmony between him and his current employers would spark rumours of a romantic return to Spain.
However, the ongoing financial issues for the Catalan giants makes a return a difficult and uncertain prospect. Money though, is no object for Al-Hilal, and AFP have reported that a contract worth up to £522 million between the club and Messi is essentially a 'done deal'.
PSG's response to the speculation, simply pointing out Messi's contract runs out in June, tells its own story.
A potential reunion
Whilst Messi may not be returning to Barcelona, he could soon be lining up alongside familiar Spanish faces in Saudi.
After 18 years with the club, Sergio Busquets is also reportedly heading to Al-Hilal on a two year deal. And Jordi Alba is a third Barca icon being targeted by the Saudi club as he enters the final 12 months of his contract with Xavi's side.
Even if the money isn't quite enough to turn Messi's head, then the prospect of being surrounded by the stars who supplemented his peak years may just seal the deal.
A rivalry reignited
For years, Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo went toe-to-toe in La Liga as Barcelona and Real Madrid battled for supremacy. Multiple trophies and goalscoring records later, and here we go again.
When 'CR7' left United in December in acrimonious circumstances, the move was viewed by many fans and pundits as a concession that he was no longer wanted by Europe's best. But now the prospect of the two main candidates in the football GOAT debate going head-to-head again, albeit in their twilight years, is sure to turn more eyes towards Saudi.
But to the undoubted irk of Ronaldo, it seems he won't be stealing a march on his old foe in terms of trophies, after his Al-Nassr side slipped five points off the pace in the title race with a 1-1 draw with Al-Khaleej on Monday. For the record, Al-Hilal lie fourth and are eight points off the Portuguese star and co, a gap they'll fully expect Messi to help breach next season.
Family may hold sway
Whilst confirmation of Messi's move is nearing, one minor snag remains - but it has nothing to do with a desire to remain amongst Europe's elite.
Instead, L’Equipe has reported that his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, is not keen on the Saudi move. She is seemingly reluctant to relocate to the Middle-East with the couple’s three young sons, instead favouring to remain on her current continent.
The prospect of matching Ronaldo's haul of five Champions League titles may not be enough to persuade Messi to remain on European soil. But having always underlined the importance of his family, reluctance from his other half just might.
