Lionel Messi seals mega-bucks deal to stay at Barcelona till 2016

18 September 2009 18:19
Lionel Messi has signed a two-year extension to his Barcelona contract that will keep him at the Nou Camp until 2016. It is thought that the Argentina star will receive at least £180,000 a week after tax - rising from £140,000 - that would see him overtake Zlatan Ibrahimovic as the European champions' highest earner. The Sweden striker, signed from Inter Milan this summer, takes home £160,000 a week. Messi had already already tied to Barcelona until 2014 but the two-year extension would also see an improvement on the valuation of his potential bonuses, which could raise his earnings by a further 30 per cent. His buy-out clause, compulsory under Spanish League rules, is understood to have increased from about £132million to £225m. Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola said: 'It's an immense piece of news for the club and for the player thatMessi is renewing his contract, as it also was whenVictor Valdes and Xavi did so. 'People go to football to see the best and that's what they are. It's a privilege for Barca to have some of the best footballers like Messi.' The 22-year-old's earnings are still some way short of whatCristiano Ronaldo picks up at Real Madrid. The former Manchester Unitedstar's six-year contract at the Bernabeu is worth at least £200,000 aweek after tax. The future's bright: Xavi (left) agreed a new contract this summer, while fellow midfield star Andres Iniesta is expected to be the next to sign Ronaldo's buy-out clause is reported to be 1bn euros (£880m), butBarca feel Messi's commitment is as much a deterrent to the likes ofMadrid and Manchester City making a bid. Barca president Joan Laporta said: 'It is impossible to imagine the team without a player like Messi. We expect Leo to retire here with Barca. 'This is the best news Barca can receive. It is important to have a player with his human qualities and hisfootball ability. 'This deal recognises all that he gives to Barcelona.' Madrid use the so-called 'Beckham law' to pay 24 per cent tax onRonaldo's earnings, which is the same for Barca with Ibrahimovic, butMessi's earnings are subject to the full 43 per cent rate because hehas been resident in Spain for more than five years. A statement on Barca's website read: 'With this new contract, Leo Messi ensure he will be azulgrana for15 years, having started his career at Barca in 2001, in the youthsectors of the club.' Midfield star Andres Iniesta is expected to follow suit by signing atwo-year extension to 2016 with Barcelona, but head coach Pep Guardiolamay wait until the end of the season before renewing his contract,which expires at the end of the season.  Bumper new contract for Barcelona's Leo Messi that makes John Terry's deal look like peanutsGetafe 0 Barcelona 2: Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Lionel Messi keep Barca top  Explore more:People:Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Andres Iniesta, Xavi, Leo Messi, Joan Laporta, Pep Guardiola, Victor ValdesPlaces:Barcelona, Madrid, Spain, Argentina

Source: Daily_Mail