Messi set for big raise after improved Barca deal
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LIONEL Messi is about to get a big raise, with reports saying the Barcelona forward is set to make about US$34 million per year.
The Argentina international has agreed to a new contract with Barcelona that could give him US$27 million for each season. Combined with other performance-backed incentives, the 26-year-old Messi is expected to make millions more every year.
Barcelona did not release details, but called it “an agreement to adjust the terms in the contract binding Leo Messi to the club.”
Messi, who is expected to sign the restructured deal in the coming days, already has a contract with the Spanish champion through the 2017-18 season, making a reported US$22 million per season. He also has a buy-out clause of 250 million euros (US$343 million).
The deal will see Messi overtake Real Madrid rival Cristiano Ronaldo as the biggest earner in world football. Portugal’s Ronaldo signed a new five-year deal with Real in September worth a reported 17 million euros net a year.
Messi is seven goals shy of becoming the Spanish league’s all-time leading scorer. He has scored 354 goals at Barcelona, including five straight seasons of at least 40. The four-time Ballon d’Or winner has scored 28 league goals this season.
Meanwhile, Celta Vigo coach Luis Enrique is leaving the Spanish league club amid speculation that he will take over at Barcelona next season.
Barcelona can retain its Spanish league title with a victory against Atletico Madrid today, but even that possibility does not seem to be enough to secure the future of current coach Gerardo Martino.
Enrique’s exit follows a meeting with Barcelona sport director Andoni Zubizarreta last week. The 44-year-old Enrique, who made 62 appearances for Spain as a player, previously coached Barcelona B.
“I can’t confirm or deny anything,” Enrique said. “Regarding my future, there is nothing to talk about. (But) if an interesting situation arises in the future, I will communicate it but not before certain things happen.”
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