Lionel Messi: After report reveals star foward’s record $672 million contract, Barcelona denies responsibility for leak
The agreement would make Messi the greatest paid professional athlete in sports history.
The club likewise stated it will take legal action versus the paper “for any damage that may be caused as a result of this publication.”
According to the report, Messi’s agreement, which was checked in November 2017 and runs till June 30 this year, might have seen the star forward make $167 million a season consisting of rewards. The composed contract likewise supposedly consists of an image rights agreement.
El Mundo likewise reports that Messi got a “renewal fee” of $139 million for accepting the agreement and a $94 million commitment reward.
“FC Barcelona categorically denies any responsibility for the publication of this document and will take appropriate legal action against the newspaper El Mundo, for any damage that may be caused as a result of this publication.
“FC Barcelona reveals its outright assistance for Lionel Messi, particularly in the face of any effort to challenge his image, and to harm his relationship with the entity where he has actually worked to end up being the very best gamer worldwide and in football history.”
CNN has contacted El Mundo in relation to Barcelona’s statement but is yet to receive a response.
In its publishing of the story, El Mundo said the analysis of the document was a laborious process carried out in recent days.
Messi has yet to publicly respond to El Mundo’s story and didn’t immediately respond to CNN’s request for comment.
Meanwhile, Messi scored his 650th goal for Barcelona on Sunday in a 2-1 win against Athletic Bilbao.
His first-half free-kick and Antoine Griezmann’s second-half winner saw Barcelona, now unbeaten in La Liga since December 5, move second in La Liga ahead of rival Real Madrid.
Jobber Wiki author Frank Long contributed to this report.