Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) has been under fire for spending the Kingdom’s oil revenues to boost his foreign image.
Well-confirmed sources revealed that MBS allocated about $2 million, nearly 1.8 million euros, for a minimum of one family vacation annually lasting five days for Lionel Messi.
The travel expenses and five-star accommodations were to be paid by the Saudi government for Messi and up to 20 family members and friends.
Another $2 million was allocated for promoting Saudi Arabia on his social media accounts 10 times a year, separately from the promotion of his vacations to the kingdom.
About $2 million more was also allocated to participate in an annual tourism campaign. (He and the Saudi authority shared the first campaign, an elaborately shot desert video, in November.)
Another $2 million was allocated for charitable work and appearances.
Lionel Messi’s tourism ambassador deal with Saudi Arabia’s government could pay the soccer superstar up to $25 million over three years.
A document obtained by the website includes a condition that Messi cannot say anything that might “tarnish” Saudi Arabia, a country that faces criticism for human rights issues.
Saudi Arabia’s sporting ventures in recent years have included the purchase of Premier League club Newcastle United FC, while it has hosted major boxing matches and golf tournaments.
The Kingdom also hosted several international sports events, including the Formula 1, the Spanish Super Cup, and financed others such as LIV Golf.
In 2022, the World Cup champion Lionel Messi becomes a paid partner of Visit Saudi, a subsidiary of the country’s tourism authority, and an ambassador promoting the country’s 2030 Vision amid human rights concerns. Messi is also expected to play a role in Saudi Arabia’s bid to host the 2030 World Cup.
The Atlantic magazine commented on the deal, saying that Messi ‘sold himself to the devil.’ As well, Cristiano Ronaldo also signed a very uncomfortable deal with the devil.
Sportswashing is a term used to describe corrupt or authoritarian regimes who use sport and sports events to whitewash their image internationally. Saudi Arabia has long been accused of using sport to whitewash its poor human rights record at home and abroad.
Last month, Lionel Messi was suspended by Paris Saint-Germain for taking a trip to Saudi Arabia to fulfill commitments for a commercial contract promoting tourism in the kingdom without the club’s permission.
