When LeBron James became the first active NBA player to be a billionaire, it was a snippet of the future. NBA contracts are actively going toward the $100 million a year mark. But that is nothing when compared to the offers the Saudi Pro League’s Al-Hilal is coming up with! The club offered a three-year $1 billion contract to Lionel Messi. They also offered Kylian Mbappe a major contract, setting the price at a whopping $700,000,000 dollars. 

Amidst these developments, football lover Giannis Antetokounmpo also had his say.

Give me that contract, says Giannis Antetokounmpo

Does Giannis Antetokounmpo look like Kylian Mbappe? According to the Milwaukee Bucks energizer, that is indeed the case. Learning about the sum of $700,000,000 has amused the incredible athlete.

In one of his Insta posts, The Greek Freak wrote his desires, “Al Hilal you can take me. I look like Kylian Mbappe.” The pearly smile of the amazing NBA talent says it all. 

It isn’t like Giannis doesn’t know the weight of a major bag. Currently, he has the fifth-most expensive contract in the NBA, which is a 5-year $228 million contract. The contract runs till 2025-26 and he has the Player option for that season. If the unstoppable inside scorer is still an elite player by that time, his next contract is going to blow up the roof.

The NBA’s new CBA makes way for even bigger contracts. The San Antonio Spurs are pondering a 5-year $350-400 million deal for Victor Wembanyama once his rookie contract is over. He is yet to battle it out against NBA big boys like Steven Adams. 

Read more: After Wowing LeBron James and Serena Williams, Lionel Messi Surpasses Another American Sports G.O.A.T in Ridiculous Fashion

However, the contracts by Al-Hilal are dwarfing the NBA ones. The money on offer is mind-boggling. The Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund has influenced the sporting scene in a monumental way.

Did the Messi move balance the scale?

The number of contracts handed by Al-Hilal poses a challenge to the existing markets in the USA. However, in this vein, it is also crucial to mention Lionel Messi’s decision to join the MLC. He chose a contract of $50 million a year over a contract that could have made him an instant billionaire. Currently, the soccer star took the limelight away from even the USA’s existing stars such as Stephen Curry. MLC signed a $2.5 billion deal for 10 years to shatter its last record by miles.

His arrival on the USA sporting scene has helped balance the scale as Saudi Arabian Public Investment continues to offer unheard-of contracts.

Watch this story: “LeBron Is the GOAT, He Made Messi Speak English”: Following Inter Miami Debut, Lionel Messi’s Thank-You Note to Lakers’ Billionaire Excites Fans

Who will be the first player to accept a $1 billion contract in the world? Do share in the comments below.