Lionel Messi‘s protracted contract saga is over.
Barcelona‘s spellbinding forward inked fresh terms until the end of the 2020-21 season on Saturday. The Argentinian’s release clause is set at €700 million.
The Blaugrana announced in July that Messi was set to sign a new deal in Catalonia in “the coming weeks,” but the 30-year-old didn’t adhere to that deadline, prompting speculation about his future. Manchester City, overseen by Messi’s old Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola, was linked to dribbling wizard’s signature, with reports dating back to March 2016 stating the English outfit was “confident” of snapping up Messi if he decided to leave the Camp Nou.
But now, if Messi stays for the full duration of his deal, Barcelona has its talisman’s services until he nears his 34th birthday. His previous contract expired in the summer of 2018.
He made his debut 4,788 days ago.
He has played 602 games.
He has scored 523 goals.
He has won 30 trophies.
The story continues.#Messi2021 pic.twitter.com/XPdIhvaqgI— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) November 25, 2017
Messi joined Barcelona in 2000 as a 13-year-old from Newell’s Old Boys, one of the leading clubs from his native Rosario. He made …read more