Paid holidays and no criticism: Messi’s insane contract as Saudi ambassador

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There has long been speculation about the future of Lionel Messi (35). It is now clear that he will not continue his career in Saudi Arabia, but in the US. A decision that came as a surprise. Because the Argentinian world champion has had a special relationship with the desert state for a good year.

In early May 2022, Messi published a photo on Instagram stating that he was promoting Saudi tourism. On the same day, tourism director Ahmed Al Khateeb tweeted pictures of Messi. “This is not his first visit to the kingdom and it won’t be the last,” he wrote.

Deal despite criticism

The reason? Messi has since been the official ambassador for tourism in Saudi Arabia. While Cristiano Ronaldo (38) turned down the track, Messi had no qualms about going for it. And that despite human rights organizations warning him that the Saudi regime only wants to use him to polish his reputation. “If you say yes to ‘VisitSaudi’, you are saying yes to all human rights violations currently taking place in Saudi Arabia,” the organization “Grant Liberty” writes in an open letter.

Messi doesn’t care, instead he cashes in on the deal. For three years there is the equivalent of about 22 million francs. No details have been revealed so far, but the “New York Times” now has a contract that Messi and his manager signed in January 2021. The signature of the Saudi representatives is missing, so it is not clear whether it is valid. Yet he reveals a lot.

Paid vacations for family and friends

Messi’s duties include commercial appearances and social media posts that he must post with a certain hashtag and holidays in Saudi Arabia.

If Messi spends five days at least once a year or three days twice a year with his family or up to 20 friends in the country, there are 1.8 million francs. Travel expenses are fully reimbursed. If he advertises Saudi Arabia in addition to the mandatory advertising for the holidays, that will be another 1.8 million. He receives the same amount for charity work and an annual advertising campaign.

But other things have also been arranged. Messi must therefore not express himself critically about the country, he must behave benevolently towards him. Something I’m sure he’ll be willing to accept for that wage. (bir)

Source : Blick