Messi, Barcelona agree improved contract, club says

Spanish media reports Argentine playmaker would be tied to the club a further year, to June 2019, and would be paid nearly Dh101m a season plus a possible five extra in performance-linked bonuses.

Lionel Messi, left, has been at Barcelona from the age of 13. Lluis Gene / AFP

Barcelona and Lionel Messi have agreed an improved contract for the four-time World Player of the Year, the Spanish Primera Liga club said on Friday.

Barca did not publish details of the deal, which replaces the current contract that expired at the end of June 2018, but are expected to have enhanced Messi’s status as one of the best-paid players in the game.

Local media reported Messi would be tied to the club a further year, to June 2019, and would be paid €20 million (nearly Dh101m) a season plus a possible five extra in performance-linked bonuses.

“FC Barcelona has reached an agreement to adjust the terms in the contract binding Leo Messi to the club as a professional first team player,” Barca said in a brief statement.

“The revised and updated contract will be signed over the next few days,” they added.

Argentine Messi is Barca’s all-time top scorer with 354 goals in 424 official games and news of the deal is a boost for the Catalan club before Saturday’s Primera Liga showdown against Atletico Madrid.

Since the 26 year old made his official debut in the 2004/05 season, Barca have won 21 titles, including three Uefa Champions League triumphs and six Primera Liga crowns.

He joined Barca’s academy at the age of 13 after a spell at Newell’s Old Boys in his native Rosario.

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