Lionel Messi’s future destination may be making headlines all around the globe, but the latest transfer saga in the world of football has followed the same half-baked pattern of transfer sagas in the past.

Argentine superstar Lionel Messi will play in Saudi Arabia next season under a "huge" deal, a source close to the negotiations told AFP on Tuesday.

Saudi Arabia's Al Hilal will not allow Lionel Messi transfer talk to derail their bid to retain the Asian Champions League title on Saturday, coach Ramon Diaz told reporters.

Al Hilal, the first Saudi side to reach the Club World Cup final, will face the winners of Real Madrid's semi-final against Al Ahly on Wednesday in Rabat.