Messi not interested in move to Saudi Arabia amid reports of lucrative deals

Paris Saint-Germain forward Lionel Messi is not interested in a move to Saudi Arabia, according to Spanish football expert Guillem Balague.

Messi, who emerged as the Golden Ball winner after guiding Argentina to its third World Cup, has been linked to a move away from Paris as his current contract nears its expiration.

Recent reports suggest the 35-year-old has been offered an eyewatering £245m to move to the Middle East by Al-Hilal, per Barca Universal.

However, Balague has poured cold water on the reports indicating such a deal has not been tabled before Leo Messi.

"There hasn't been an offer [from Al Hilal]," says Balague as quoted by BBC. Rather, the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner is close to finalising a deal to remain with the French champions.

"PSG and Messi are organising a meeting in the next few weeks to finalise the deal that will keep him in Paris." "Right now, his motivation is to stay in Europe," Balague added.

Since winning the World Cup in Qatar last month, Messi has set for himself new targets as claimed by Balague. "He is the favourite to win the Ballon d'Or, he is still in the Champions League, and he has big targets after winning the World Cup.

"Not only does it make no sense to approach him with that offer, but it also hasn't existed."

Messi will be looking forward to increase his tally for PSG when the Parisians come face to face with Rennes after scoring in his first game since winning the World Cup.