Lionel Messi reportedly requests Al-Hilal to delay transfer until 2024 in bid to Barcelona return

Lionel Messi (Source: Twitter)

Lionel Messi has reportedly made a special request to Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal to delay his transfer until 2024. According to a report in GOAL, the Argentina icon has asked the club to put his move to the Middle East on hold for a year as he wants to join Barcelona this summer.

Messi will become a free agent later this month when his two-year contract with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) expires. The French club have already confirmed that they are parting ways with Messi and he played his farewell match in Paris where they lost 3-2 to Clermont Foot on Sunday.

The recent developments come after Messi's father Jorge admitted that the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner wants to return to his former club. It is also learned that La Liga has agreed to the Spanish club's so-called financial sustainability plan in order to allow Messi's comeback.

Al-Hilal clarifies that the offer in 2024 will not be the same

However, Messi's request to postpone his move to Saudi Arabia came as a surprise, forcing the Pro League club to propose a new deal in which the offer in 2024 will not be the same as the current €500 million ($541 million) a year. Al-Hilal's initial offer was €400m, but it was raised to €500m after learning the Argentina captain was leaning towards a Barcelona return.

Speaking to Reuters, Al-Hilal manager Ramos Diaz said the club is ready to welcome the 2022 World Cup winner.

"It grows all over the world; it was seen in the World Cup. Clubs can have eight foreigners; you can have the best because there are no financial problems. It happened with Ronaldo, and most of Al Hilal's foreigners are international. If they continue like this, they will grow. The presence of Cristiano (Ronaldo) is important to give football more expectation. They have the possibility of buying Messi, imagine the power they have."

Messi had to leave Barcelona in 2021 after the Catalan side could not renew his contract due to financial problems. The Qatar World Cup Golden Ball winner also has an offer from Inter Miami, but a move to MLS is not on his radar.