Messi to Sign Al Hilal Contract Within 48 Hours: Report

Lionel Messi of Paris Saint-Germain is set to begin a new chapter with Saudi Arabia's Al Hilal football club, according to Saudi Gazette.

Messi is barely 48 hours away from being named as the Saudi side's latest signing, generating a wave of expectation and excitement around the sporting world.

According to Saudi Gazette, Messi "will fly to Riyadh within 48 hours in preparation for the official announcement of the deal after his arrival in the Saudi capital," citing knowledgeable sources.

The sum of the deal and the player's compensation, however, have still to be finalized, though expectations are that the deal will cost upwards of $400 million per year for two years.

The international football star hurriedly left PSG last month after making an unauthorised visit to Riyadh. Messi, his wife Antonela Roccuzzo, and their kids Ciro and Mateo were shown visiting tourist destinations in Diriyah and Riyadh.

After his contract with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) expired, Messi was pursued by a number of local and international teams. Barcelona, Newcastle, Chelsea, Inter Miami, as well as a reunion with his old team Rosario, were among his interests.