Messi miss not slowing Saudi Arabia’s ambitious drive to recruit stars

Missing out on Lionel Messi hasn’t slowed Saudi Arabia’s ambitious recruitment drive, as the oil-rich kingdom tries to establish itself as a viable destination for the world’s top players.

Having already lured two of the sport’s biggest stars in Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema, the Saudis, amid allegations of sportswashing, are targeting a host of other high-profile players from Europe’s best leagues.

World Cup and Champions…