LIONEL MESSI will pocket a staggering £485,000-a-week AFTER tax if he accepts Barcelona’s current offer, according to reports in Catalonia.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner’s future has been up in the air with his contract due to run out at the end of next season and no agreement yet in place.
Manchester City, Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain and even teams in the Chinese Super League have been monitoring developments closely.
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However, TV3 show El Club de la Mitjanit report there is an offer on the table for Messi until 2022 — and Barcelona are willing to offer him over £25million-a-year in wages.
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Messi has spent his entire professional career at the Nou Camp and was believed to be willing to stay for life as a sign of his gratitude for how the club helped him develop as player and a man.
But, for the first time, there are genuine fears this was the end.
An on-going court case over unpaid taxes and regular jibes form members of the club board led many to believe Messi was growing disillusioned at the club.
Despite major question marks over his future, the 29-year-old has turned out some of the best form of his incredible career.
He is the top scorer in La Liga this season with nine more than any other player.
And recently netted a last-minute winner in the 3-2 Clasico victory over Real Madrid.