Lionel Messi and Barcelona have almost agreed terms on a renewed contract for the Argentina forward, reports in Spain have said.
Mundo Deportivo claims the sides are 85% of the way to an agreement with the details to be finalised before Messi can be made the highest paid player in the world.
Barca are said to be willing and eager to elevate Messi to such a position but are keen to install clauses in the contract that will come into effect depending on the club’s success. Messi’s salary will be fixed but should Barca be successful, Messi will be in line to earn more.
Messi could also extend his contract until 2019, tying him to Barca for an extra year. It was originally said that the talks were only about an upgrade in terms, rather than an extension.
The intention is to conclude negotiations before the start of the World Cup, although it is said there has never been any serious thought to ending the relationship between Messi and Barca from either side.
Paris Saint-Germain were said to be watching developments closely but Mundo Deportivo rejects the interest from the club as a reason for Messi’s perceived drop in form.
Messi is said to have always wanted to stay at Camp Nou while Barca are preparing to rebuild the side around Messi after this disappointing season comes to a close.
