Barcelona are preparing a major 10-year contract for Lionel Messi in order to convince him to stay at the club beyond this summer, according to Deportes Cuatro. This contract would be valid over a span of more than ten years, including plans after his retirement but his salary will be reduced to half of what he gets now. This contract will also allow the little magician to go out on loan to the United States and play for a Major League Soccer club of his choice. The Argentine had previously spoken about his interest in playing in the MLS and this contract will abide by that.
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The Argentine had handed in a transfer request in the summer transfer window of 2020. He couldn’t leave the club as there was a dispute regarding the one year remaining in his contract. However, that contract will be ending this summer with the six-time Ballon d’Or winner set to become a free agent. Lionel Messi is yet to make a decision regarding his future but with only one more game remaining and the La Liga title hopes out of hands, fans are eager to see what he decides.
Barcelona making many changes for Lionel Messi
The Argentine has not been anywhere near signing a new contract with Barcelona but Laporta is confident in his continuation. Manchester City legend Sergio Aguero who is known to be very close to Messi is also reportedly close to signing a two-year deal with the Blaugrana this summer. This can be a way to make the Argentine stay at the club. The arrival of Aguero will temporarily solve the center-forward problems that the club have since terminating Luis Suarez.
In the new contract, the club will be making a pay cut but they will be providing Messi with financial security. They will also make sure that the six-time Ballon D’or winner will be comfortably transitioned into an executive role at the club, a board member, or an official role after his retirement.
However, the player may have different ideas in his own mind. Only the arrival of the summer transfer window after the season is over will reveal the next step for the club legend.
Would you want Messi to be a part of Laporta’s rebuilding project?