Messi agrees 50% pay-cut to sign for Barcelona

Argentina captain Lionel Messi who is still basking in the euphoria of winning the Copa America has reached an agreement in principle to extend his Barcelona contract with a 50 percent pay cut, according to reports.

The LaLiga giants were unable to get Messi, 34, to sign on the dotted line before his deal expired at the end of last month.

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But reports across the Spanish media now indicate that a breakthrough has been reached.

The deal will see the Argentine icon slash his pay by half, to around £1.2million-a-week after the details of his previous contract were leaked earlier this year.

Barcelona will also hold a release clause of just over £300m on the player.

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The contract is said to last for five years, despite talk of Messi wanting to see out his career with a stint in MLS.

Some outlets claim there is still a possibility for him to venture Stateside during the contract, which will see him operate as a Blaugrana ambassador.

According to Sport, the striker is willing to accept a pay cut due to the Catalan club’s financial trouble.

Barcelona have been told to severely reduce their wage bill to abide by LaLiga wage limit rules.

An agreement was, however, reportedly delayed as both parties were at pains to ensure the contract’s tax situation was in order.

The club and player’s lawyers are now set to draft the agreement and produce a document that Messi can give his final consent to.

An announcement is expected next week at the earliest with the star on holiday following the Copa America.

Talks have been ongoing for several weeks, led by club president Joan Laporta and Lionel’s father, Jorge.

Interest had arisen from the likes of Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City, as well as Inter Miami.

Earlier this week, it had been claimed that PSG were giving up on the deal after Messi privately confirmed his commitment to Barcelona.

Since making his first-team debut in 2004, the six-time Ballon d’Or winner has notched ten LaLiga titles, four Champions League triumphs, won the Copa del Rey seven times, and scored over 700 goals.