MADRID (AP) – Lionel Messi’s most recent contract with Barcelona is worth up to 555 million euros ($ 673 million) over four seasons, The world newspaper reported on Sunday.
The Spanish daily said it had access to the document that Messi signed with the Catalan club in 2017, which included fixed and variable rents that can reach almost 138 million euros ($ 167 million) each season. The newspaper said it was the most expensive contract ever with an athlete in any sport.
Messi would have to pay about half that in taxes in Spain.
The report said the 33-year-old has already secured more than 510 million euros ($ 619 million) of the total.
Barcelona denied responsibility for the document’s leak and said it would file a lawsuit against the newspaper.
“The club regrets its publication because it is a private document governed by the principle of confidentiality between the parties,” he said in a note. “FC Barcelona categorically denies any responsibility for the publication of this document and will take the appropriate legal measures against the newspaper The world, for any damage that may be caused as a result of this publication. “
The club expressed its “absolute support for Lionel Messi, especially in the face of any attempt to discredit his image and damage his relationship with the entity where he worked to become the best player in the world and in the history of football”.
Messi, who made no immediate public comment on the report, on Sunday scored a goal in the team’s 2-1 win over Athletic Bilbao in the Spanish league. The result took the Catalan club to second place for the first time this season, although their gap from leaders Atlético Madrid was 10 points.
“We need to try to find out how it got to the press,” said Barcelona coach Ronald Koeman. “If someone in the club has leaked this, that person cannot have a future in this club.”
The leak occurs when Barcelona tries to manage a huge debt created mainly because of the coronavirus pandemic. The club has been chaired by an interim board since President Josep Bartomeu resigned in October, while facing a motion of censure. New presidential elections are scheduled for March 7.
“I don’t understand how you can associate Messi with Barcelona’s problems,” said Koeman. “He has been showing his quality as a player for many years and has helped to make this club excellent.”
The newspaper also detailed how Messi has rewarded the club over the years, helping him to win more than 30 titles.
Messi has been with Barcelona for almost two decades, but asked to leave at the end of last season, after saying he was not happy with the direction the club was taking. His request was denied, but he will be able to leave for free when this season ends.