Messi set to take Barcelona pay-cut for a new 5 year deal

Argentine superstar Lionel Messi is set to extend his stay at Spanish giant FC Barcelona by signing a new five-year deal_ with the Argentine talisman set to take a wage cut_ Goal.com_ La Vanguardia newspaper and ESPN reported.

Messi_ Barca s all-time top scorer and appearance maker_ technically ended his 21-year association with the club last month and is currently a free agent after his previous contract expired.

Since Joan Laporta took over as Barca president_ the club has been trying to reduce their wage bill in order to keep Messi and stay within La Liga s strict financial control rules. La Liga chief Javier Tebas said last week that Barcelona_ which has a total debt of more than 1 billion euros ($1.18 billion)_ would not be shown any leniency.

Messi s last contract_ signed in 2017_ was the most lucrative in world sport according to a January report in newspaper El Mundo. The club have been trying to rebuild the squad with Junior Firpo_ Jean-Clair Todibo and Carles Alena being sold to make way for free signings Sergio Aguero_ Memphis Depay and Eric Garcia.

Messi_ 34_ won his first major international title with Argentina over the weekend when they beat rivals Brazil in the Copa America final. Messi was elected the tournament s joint best player along with Neymar after finishing as the tournament s joint top goalscorer with four goals while he also topped the assists charts with five.