Lionel Messi has reportedly concluded contract talks with Barcelona and will stay at the club by penning a new deal until 2026 – meaning he will remain at the Nou Camp until he’s nearly 40. The 34-year-old, whose deal expired at the end of June, has finally agreed to new terms with SPORT claiming negotiations are now finalised.
Barcelona, however, still need to reduce their wage bill so Messi’s new contract can be registered with LaLiga. An announcement is expected to be made in the coming days after a breakthrough was made in talks yesterday with Messi’s father Jorge.
Messi has been in direct dialogue with the club over extending his stay for months now and news that he has decided to stay will come as welcome relief to Barcelona supporters.
Due to Barcelona’s dire financial position, Messi has had to take a 50 per cent pay deduction from his previous deal, which was worth in excess of £425million over four years.
That means Messi’s earnings will be slashed by £250,000 every week on his new five-year contract.
