RIYADH — After Cristiano Ronaldo's monster deal, the Saudi Professional League (SPL) is geared to receive two other world heavyweight soccer stars — Lionel Messi and Karim Benzema. Messi is a football legend and captain of the 2022 World Cup champions Argentina, and Benzema is the French international striker and Real Madrid's top scorer. According to well-informed sources, deals are being finalized with Messi and Benzema by the Riyadh club Al-Hilal and Jeddah club Al-Ittihad respectively. The official announcements with regard to the super duo's joining of the Saudi clubs are expected at any moment during this week. Real Madrid said that a press conference will be held on Tuesday to bid farewell to Benzema at the club's stadium, in the presence of the club President Florentino Perez. In the midst of global anticipation for the course of the two deals, Portuguese legend Cristiano Ronaldo will be an avid hearkener at the door of the Saudi League when the two international stars ring the bell. He preceded them into the league with a giant deal that drew the world's attention towards the strongest Arab and Asian league, by wearing the jersey of Al-Nassr team. The French club Paris Saint-Germain officially announced the exit of Messi after a brilliant march that kick-started in 2021, and ended without reaching an agreement to renew his contract before the end of the current season. Messi is expected to sign a historic transfer contract with Al-Hilal club of Riyadh in Paris in the presence of the Saudi club officials who are currently in the French capital. The report about signing the deal came within 24 hours after Messi's formal announcement about his exit from Paris Saint-German. Real Madrid announced on Sunday the exit of striker Karim Benzema, following the termination of his contract by mutual consent, after 14 seasons full of titles. Well-informed sources said that Al-Ittihad club President Anmar Al-Haili and Vice President Ahmed Kaaki have landed in the Spanish capital Madrid to clinch the final contract with the 35-year-old Ballon d'Or winner for two seasons.
