Messi to sign new five-year deal with Barcelona

Lionel Messi is set to extend his stay at Barcelona by signing a new five-year deal, with the Argentine talisman set to take a wage cut, La Vanguardia newspaper and ESPN reported on Wednesday.

Messi, Barca’s all-time top scorer and appearance maker, technically ended his 21-year association with the club last month and is currently a free agent after his previous contract expired.

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Since Joan Laporta took over as Barca president, the club has been trying to reduce their wage bill in order to keep Messi and stay within LaLiga’s strict financial control rules.