Lionel Messi has agreed on a five-year contract extension with Barcelona after accepting a substantial pay cut, according to reports.
The six-time Ballon d’Or winner became a free agent when his contract at the Camp Nou, where he spent his entire senior career, expired at midnight on June 30.
However, after months of speculation about Messi’s future, Catalan newspapers L’Esportiu e Sport reported Wednesday that the 34-year-old agreed to stay.
An announcement could be made as early as Thursday, it is said, once La Liga officials sign the contract.
Barcelona are facing high-profile financial problems and must reduce their salary if they are to comply with La Liga financial fair play rules.
Speaking on Monday, however, Barça president Joan Laporta revealed that talks between the Catalan giants and Messi are “progressing adequately”.
The same reports suggest that Messi accepted a much lower salary, potentially up to 50% compared to his previous contract signed in 2017.
The five-year contract will take the superstar forward to the age of 39, although Barça could allow Messi to see the final part of his career in Major League Soccer.
Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City were major favorites for Messi last year, although neither club made an immediate move for the free agent.
Messi was once again very influential for Barcelona last season, finishing as La Liga’s top scorer and managing 38 goals and 12 assists in all competitions.
Taking into account all competitions, he created 117 chances for others and scored a goal every 110.32 minutes.
Full-back Jordi Alba was next on the list of most chances created for Barça in 2020-21, with 85 scoring chances.
Despite speculation about his club’s future, Messi brought his club form to the international stage by inspiring Argentina in its first America’s Cup since 1993.
He scored four goals and contributed five assists to win his first silver piece for his country.
