Despite Lionel Messi’s departure from Barcelona in 2021, the club continues to pay him, even though he has not played for them since then.
The Argentine superstar was one of the first players to agree to salary deferrals under the previous president, Josep Maria Bartomeu, in order to alleviate Barcelona’s financial struggles.
According to Marca, Barcelona’s current president, Joan Laporta, has disclosed that the club still has outstanding payments owed to Messi, which are anticipated to be settled by 2025.
This indicates that Barcelona is honoring their financial commitments to the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner, despite his absence from the team.
“What is owed to him is the deferral of wages that was agreed with the previous board and that produces outstanding payments that end in 2025,” he said.
Messi turned down a bid to return to Barcelona this summer, despite being available as a free agent following his departure from Paris Saint-Germain after two seasons.
Details of Messi’s Miami contract
Meanwhile, Daily Post reports that Messi will earn around $50-60 million per year at his new club Inter Miami after sealing a deal with the Major League Soccer side this summer.
Inter Miami’s co-owner, Jorge Mas has shared the details of Messi’s contract after he agreed to move to the United States after his contract with PSG expired on June 30.
The 2022 World Cup winner and seven-time Ballon d’Or holder will also receive shares from Apple and Adidas as part of his contract.
Messi set for Ramos reunion
Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Inter Miami are reportedly in talks with Sergio Ramos over a transfer to the United States, which could see him link up with his former Paris Saint-Germain teammate, Messi.
Following the expiry of his PSG contract, Messi is now officially a Miami player, as is his former Barcelona colleague, Sergio Busquets, who moved to the MLS side as a free agent.
Inter Miami, which is co-owned by David Beckham, have opened talks with Ramos about a potential switch to Florida.