Jorge Messi slams latest Lionel Messi 'done deal' report

It appears Paris Saint-Germain superstar Lionel Messi has made no final decision about his future beyond the end of this season. 

"There is absolutely nothing [in place] with any club for next season," Jorge Messi, Lionel's father and agent, said via a statement shared by Sam Marsden and Moises Llorens of ESPN. "The decision will never be taken before Lionel finishes the league campaign with PSG. Once the season ends, that will be the moment to analyze things and see what options there are and to take a decision. There are always rumors and many use Lionel's name to gain notoriety, but there is only one truth and it is that we can assure there is nothing [agreed] with anyone. Not verbal, not signed, no pacts. And there won't be until the end of the season." 

Agence France-Presse reported earlier on Tuesday that it was a "done deal" that Lionel Messi will play in Saudi Arabia next season. Messi has been linked with Saudi club Al-Hilal throughout the spring and reportedly could earn roughly $400M annually if he joins a Saudi Pro League side. 

"The contract is exceptional," a source told AFP regarding Messi's alleged Saudi deal. "It's huge. We are just finalizing some small details." 

However, Jorge Messi seemed to blast AFP for releasing the story. 

"It is disrespectful towards other media that there are people that consciously and deliberately deceive without supplying any evidence, wanting to turn rumors with ill intentions into news to favor their own interests," Jorge continued. "They should have to explain why they don't verify their information. They don't want the truth to ruin their 'news.'"

Lionel Messi returned to training Monday after he served what ESPN now says was a reduced suspension related to an unauthorized trip to Saudi Arabia he took last week. The seven-time Ballon d'Or winner is out of contract after the campaign, and AFP repeated previous stories and indicated Messi's relationship with PSG will end this summer. 

"If the club had wanted to renew his contract, it would have been done earlier," a "separate PSG source" told AFP. 

The Telegraph mentioned last week that Saudi Arabia's "conventional process for signing the world’s top talent...has been for deals to have state involvement before a final destination club is decided." AFP said Tuesday that Saudi Arabia hasn't yet attached Messi to any "specific club" even though Cristiano Ronaldo features for Al-Nassr, rivals of Al-Hilal. 

A return to Barcelona and a move to Major League Soccer are also potential options for Messi even though neither entity can match any offer he receives from Saudi Arabia. The 35-year-old could accept a massive reduction in wages to once again play for Barcelona and remain in Europe until the 2024 Copa America.