Marco van Basten has slammed Lionel Messi imminent move to Saudi Arabia, which would make him the world’s highest-paid player.
The 2022 World Cup champion has reportedly decided not to extend his contract with Paris Saint-Germain and will leave the Ligue 1 club as a free agent in the summer.
According to AFP, Messi has agreed to move to the Middle East, with Al-Hilal preparing a massive offer of £400m ($505m), which would see him overtake Cristiano Ronaldo as the highest-paid player on the planet.
Dutch legend Van Basten is unimpressed with Messi’s rumored decision to abandon European football and has encouraged him to pursue “things you like” rather than money.
“I think it’s poor. That you still have to go there for a lot of money… You’ve earned plenty, go do things you like. I can’t imagine that. You are your own boss, aren’t you? You can play football wherever you want, right?” he asked during a conversation at Rondo on Ziggo Sport.
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Messi has also been strongly connected with a return to Barcelona, but financial difficulties at Camp Nou are likely to prevent a homecoming, while a transfer to the MLS has also been suggested, with Inter Miami reportedly interested.
However, Saudi Arabia appears to be Messi’s most likely next destination.
Messi has returned to PSG training after a two-week ban was lifted following a public apology. He might possibly return to action against Ajaccio in Ligue 1 on Saturday.
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