Saudi Arabia’s minister of tourism has announced Lionel Messi will visit the kingdom later this month — his third stay in less than a year — amid interest from the Saudi Pro League in his signing.
The Paris Saint-Germain forward, who added to his glittering career by lifting last year’s World Cup in Qatar, will visit in March, the country’s minister of tourism Ahmed Al-Khatib said.
“I am happy to welcome our Tourism Ambassador … and his family and friends this month … to enjoy our most beautiful tourism destinations, connect with our people and enjoy unique experiences!” Al-Khatib said on Twitter.
The news came hours before PSG’s exit from the Champions League at the hands of Bayern Munich on Wednesday.
The oil-rich nation appointed Messi its tourism ambassador last year, and he visited Jeddah in May, before returning in January to play a friendly match with PSG against a team of Saudi League stars, facing off against longtime rival Cristiano Ronaldo.
Ronaldo’s deal with Al Nassr sealed last year — worth a world-record $75 million per year — led to Saudi hopes of a renewed rivalry with Messi in the Saudi League after reported interest from Al Hilal and Al Ittihad in signing the world champion.
Al Ittihad fans chanted Messi’s name in a local match on Friday, and club president Anmar Al-Haeli referred to a Messi deal in a video last week, saying “God willing. The deal needs time and arrangement.”
Meanwhile, Ramon Diaz, coach of Al Hilal, told reporters last month: “The presence of Ronaldo makes us believe that Messi may come to Saudi Arabia as well. Saudi football is growing significantly and seems capable of attracting the biggest players.”
Source: espn.com
