Messi deal confirmed: the numbers

number 10

Lionel Messi has finally reached an agreement to sign a new record contract with FC Barcelona, the club announced on its official website on Friday.

The star number 10 has agreed to adjust the terms of his current contract which will make him the best paid player in the world – overtaking Cristiano Ronaldo in the process – in a deal reportedly worth around €20million per season after taxes (£16.3million), plus performance-related bonuses said to be in the region of €5million.

The statement read:

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.

The revised and updated contract will be signed over the next few days.

A sticking issue over the player relinquishing some of his incredibly valuable image rights is now said to be resolved.

Once signed, 26-year old Messi will be contracted to Barca until 2019 – giving him ample opportunity to break and amass further records with the Blaugrana.

Since making his senior debut in the 2004/05 season the Argentine star has:

– Won 21 major titles: 6 Ligas, 3 Champions Leagues, 2 Spanish Cups, 2 Clubs World Cups, 2 European Supercups and 6 Spanish Supercups.

– Individually, won: 4 Ballons d’Or, 3 European Golden Boots and 3 Pichichi’s.

– Played more games for the first team than any other foreigner (424).

– Become the club’s all-time highest goalscorer (354).

Records taken from fcbarcelona.com

As it stands, Messi is just 8 goals away from becoming the highest goalscorer in the history of the Spanish first division.

News of the deal will be a welcome boost for the squad ahead of their momentous weekend clash with Atletico Madrid at the Camp Nou, when only a win will be enough for Barcelona to retain their Liga crown.

Messi will then jet off to join up with Argentina’s World Cup warm-up squad early next week.

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