Messi to take ‘£45m pay cut’ to stay at Barcelona before 2023 Inter Miami move

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Lionel Messi will take a ‘£45million pay cut’ to stay at Barcelona – before moving to MLS with Inter Miami in 2023.

That’s according to reports in Spain and Italy, where sources believe the Argentine is close to agreeing a new two-year-deal.

Messi shocked the football world by revealing his desire to leave the Nou Camp last summer, putting the likes of PSG and Manchester City on red alert.

But almost 12 months on and following the arrival of Sergio Aguero from Manchester City and the re-election of Joan Laporta as the club’s president, Messi looks set to remain at Barcelona for two more years.

Laporta yesterday offered a hint that a deal with Messi is close, saying: “We are in talks with his representatives.

“It is going well and we hope it will continue to progress. For Messi, this isn't a matter of money. For our part, we know our financial framework.

“We know he wants to stay, but, like in Eric [Garcia's] case, he has other offers.”

The Barcelona president’s words appear to be ringing true, with Italian journalist Tancredi Palmeri and Spanish writer Veronica Brunati both reporting that Messi will agree a new two-year-deal, albeit on reduced terms.

Palmeri tweeted: “According to @verobrunati new Messi contract is 60m€ before taxes, so 35m€ approx after taxes.

“So Messi has cut 53m€ from previous salary. But most of all: till 2023 at Barcelona, and till 2025 at Inter Miami!”

That will be news to the ears of boss Ronald Koeman, who is embarking on an ambitious rebuilding job at the Nou Camp.

Retaining Messi is key to Barcelona’s overall strategy, but the Catalan club are also bringing in enforcements elsewhere.

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    • Aguero’s capture from Manchester City represents a marquee signing, while Eric Garcia freshens up an ageing backline.

    Those two additions are all well and good, but it’s the retention of Messi into next season and beyond that fans want to see most.

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    • Lionel Messi
    • Transfer news
    • Barcelona FC
    • La Liga

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