Messi agrees new 5-year deal with Barcelona: reports

Barcelona, Spain, Jul 14 (EFE).- Lionel Messi has agreed a new contract with Barcelona that will keep him at the Catalan club for five more years.

Several media outlets including Barcelona-based Sport on Wednesday reported that Messi has accepted a 50% cut to his salary to extend his stay at the Camp Nou.

The debt-riddled club has been forced to drastically reduce the wages of its playing staff, which absorb around 110% of Barça’s revenues that have been battered by the pandemic and the poor management of the previous board.

The Argentine superstar, 34, had been a free agent since his previous deal expired on June 30.

The agreement ends months of speculation surrounding Messi’s future, as he was free to move to another club on a free transfer.

Messi dramatically tried to leave Barcelona last year but backed down to avoid a legal fight with the club.

There had been reported interest from the likes of Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City, as well as reports of a potential move to Inter Miami, David Beckham’s MLS franchise. EFE

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