Barcelona are yet to confirm the renewal of Lionel Messi, but Sport suggests that the Argentine is now returning to accept a 5-year contract with a 50% pay-cut in order to meet the La Liga wage cap.
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One of President Joan Laporta‘s main priorities after being reappointed was to make sure the Argentine continues at the club. Despite only winning the Copa del Rey last season, the integration of multiple youngsters like Pedri and Ansu Fati has brought life back into a dishearted Messi who wanted to leave under the leadership of Josep Maria Bartomeu.
The six-time Ballon d’Or winner has been a free agent ever since his contract expired in June, making it the first time in his senior career where he isn’t a Barca player. Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City were both keen on securing Messi on a free transfer but the Argentine’s loyalty remains with the Catalan giants.
Not only that, but the Copa America winner is ready to accept a staggering 50% wage cut in order to help the club with their financial crisis and also wants to return to the Nou Camp after retirement. Messi’s previously leaked contract had him earning 500k pounds a week but his renewal will only be 250k.
This shows that it was never about the money he was making at Barca but the fact that that he truly loves the Club and everything he has experienced along with it since the very start. He is truly one of the greatest to ever wear the Blaugrana colors and could potentially be regarded as the greatest footballer after he goes on to win his seventh Ballon d’Or for his performance last season.
Are you excited to watch more of Lionel Messi next season?