Prerana Timalsina,
Argentine superstar Lionel Messi is all set to sign a new five-year contract with Barcelona. Keeping his ‘one-club man’ reputation intact, Messi has decided to re-sign the contract with Barca, which will last till 2026.
Barca will announce the renewed contract anytime in the coming weeks after completing some minor details. It is also said that along with sealing a long-term deal with the club, Messi has agreed to cut down his annual earnings in half as Barcelona is struggling with the finances. Messi, who is also one of the highest-paid players globally, has agreed to play on a 50 percent pay cut given the weak financial position of the Barcelona club.
For a couple of scary weeks at Barcelona, Lionel Messi officially did not play for them.
Luckily for them, he's staying – but now the real work begins.
— Goal News (@GoalNews) July 14, 2021
It was previously revealed that Messi’s last contract paid him $674 million over the four-year term ($168.5 million per year), thus the new deal is expected to pay him close to $85 million per year and just over $420 million should he remain at the club for the duration. Although Messi became available as a free agent after his last deal at the end of June, he has agreed to sign a five-year contract on a reduced wage.
Lionel Messi is taking an incredible 50% wage cut to stay at Barcelona, Goal can confirm 🔵🔴
He's set to sign a new five-year contract later this month ✍️
✍️ @rubenuria & @AdriaSoldevila
— Goal News (@GoalNews) July 14, 2021
Despite the interest shown by other clubs such as Paris Saint-German, Manchester City, and Inter, 34-year old Messi has decided to continue his onwards football journey with Barca itself.
The six-time Ballon d’Or award winner Messi debut for the club as a teenager in 2004, after which he has been playing for the team through thicks and thins.
Lionel Messi will sign a new five-year contract at Barcelona—taking a 50% reduction in his wages—that will keep him at the club until he is 39, reports @sport ✍️ pic.twitter.com/PkTi3IwQKF
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) July 14, 2021
The best player in the world who recently claimed Copa American title for Argentina by droughting his Major international trophy has magnificent career with his club FC Barcelona as he has claimed four champions league and 10 La Liga titles. Messi has netted 672 times for the club which is all time record for a single club from any player. Messi has claimed seven Copa Del Ray title and eight Pichhihi award for the highest goal scorer in La Liga.
