Saudi Arabia’s government is preparing to offer soccer star Lionel Messi a contract that will pay him $400 million per year to play in the Saudi Professional League, according to the Telegraph.
It would be the largest annual salary for an athlete in sports history, surpassing the current record set earlier this year when Cristiano Ronaldo signed with Saudi club Al Nassr for about $210 million per year.
Messi already has a multi-million dollar deal with the Saudi government to promote tourism in the country, which is hoping to host the 2030 World Cup. Messi’s rumored deal to move to Saudi Arabia’s top soccer league comes as his current club Paris Saint-Germain, suspended him for two weeks for taking a trip to Saudi Arabia that was not authorized by the team.
“I am happy to welcome Messi and his family to Saudi to enjoy the magical tourist destinations and authentic experiences,” Saudi minister of tourism Ahmed Al Khateeb tweeted Monday. “We welcome visitors from all around the world to experience a unique trip to Saudi Arabia and its hospitality.”
The Saudi government’s Public Investment Fund also owns the LIV Golf Tour and English soccer club Newcastle United. It was reported in April that the PIF was looking to purchase another soccer club, potentially in Belgium.
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