Lionel Messi’s next club revealed after Newcastle United owners launch world-record £1bn swoop

Lionel Messi has reportedly decided on his next club - and it’s bad news for Newcastle United’s Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia owners.

Al Hilal, now 75 per-cent owned by PIF, had tabled a two-year contract worth a reported world-record £1billion to bring the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner to the Middle East.

However, the Argentine legend has turned down the move in favour joining MLS side Inter Miami following his exit from Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain.

The 35-year-old had been expected to follow Real Madrid legends Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo to the Saudi Pro League. Benzema signed a three-year contract worth a reported £172million-per-season with Al Ittihad on Tuesday.

Saudi Arabia has also reportedly submitted offers to the likes of N’Golo Kante, Serge Busquets, Paul Pogba, Pierre Emerick Aubameyang, Wilfried Zaha and Hugo Lloris. Many more household names are expected to follow.

Turning down such a lucrative offer from the Middle East comes as a surprise, though there are a variety of reason for moving to the MLS including lifestyle, and a deal with big brands such as Adidas and Apple.

Messi had been keen on remaining in Europe, namely an emotional return to Barcelona, but the move fell though because of Financial Fair Play regulations.

The move to the US will be the first time Messi will play outside of Europe since he started his youth career in the late 1990s at Argentinian clubs Grandoli and Newell’s Old Boys.

Messi joined Barcelona’s youth set-up at the age of 13 and went on to become the record scorer at the Catalan giants by netting 672 goals. The forward, regarded by many as the best ever, won 10 La Liga titles, four Champions Leagues and seven Spanish Cups.