Antonella Roccuzzo in Diriyah wearing a traditional Saudi hamaSaudi Tourism Authority

Blow to Saudi transfer hopes? Lionel Messi's wife Antonela Roccuzzo hesitant to move family to Middle East as PSG superstar aims to remain in Europe

  • Messi's future still unclear
  • Has received Saudi offer
  • Family may need convincing to move

WHAT HAPPENED? Messi is seriously considering a transfer to Saudi Arabia after receiving a huge offer to move there once he leaves Paris Saint-Germain in the summer. However, the World Cup winner is stalling because his preference is to stay in Europe, according to L'Equipe. Messi's wife Antonela is also thought to be hesitant about the prospect of relocating to Saudi Arabia with the couple's three young sons.

🏆 TOP STORY: Messi returns to PSG training as ban lifted

📣 HAVE YOUR SAY: Man Utd must offload De Gea

🚨 MUST READ: City can't afford to ignore Rodrygo

THE BIGGER PICTURE: Saudi side Al-Hilal have been hoping to convince Messi to make the move by also targeting deals for his former Barcelona team-mates Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba. Al-Hilal coach Ramon Diaz has said only "we'll see" when asked about the possibility of landing the Argentina international.

AND WHAT'S MORE: Messi has recently taken a trip to Saudi Arabia which resulted in the forward being hit with a two-week suspension by PSG as his visit was not sanctioned the club. The World Cup winner has since apologised to the club and his team-mates and returned to training, albeit on his own, on Monday.

Article continues below

IN THREE PHOTOS:

Lionel Messi Antonela Roccuzzo Thiago Mateo Ciro Año Nuevo 2022@leomessi
Sergio Busquets Lionel Messi Jordi AlbaGetty/GOALLionel Messi Paris Saint-Germain 2022-23Getty

WHAT NEXT FOR MESSI? The Argentine missed PSG's 3-1 win over Troyes last time out because of his suspension. Messi's return to training suggests his ban could be over, following a public apology, but it's still not clear if he will be available for selection for PSG's next game against Ajaccio on Saturday.

Advertisement