Inside Messi’s Historic Contract Extension

Lionel Messi has agreed to sign his contract extension offer, taking on a 50% pay cut, just to remain at Barcelona – a club he joined at age 13.

Messi became a free agent on Wednesday, 30 June, after his previous deal expired, however, the Argentine captain has decided to stay at Camp Nou for another 5 years.

Per reports, the 34-year-old forward wasn’t hesitant to take a salary reduction. In his previous contract, the football veteran earned a net salary of around $610,000 a week and now he will only be taking home $305,000 a week.

Apparently, the reason that he has accepted this deal is that the club only expects him to play for two years, and he will then move to a Major Soccer League (MLS) club, while remaining their ambassador.

Despite Messi’s agreement to this lower pay contract, his release clause remains ridiculously high, at $708 million – something that prevented him from leaving Barcelona last season.

The six-time Ballon d’Or winner’s legal representatives are reportedly still looking at the deal terms before Barcelona can make an official announcement

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