Argentine superstar Lionel Messi has endured a torrid few months. The 29-year-old saw his nation go all the way to the Copa America Centenario final, but the Barca ace missed a penalty en route to La Albiceleste’s defeat to Chile.
Soon after the heartbreaking defeat, La Pulga announced his retirement from international football. Shortly later, he was found guilty for tax evasion and was given a 21-month jail sentence – alongside his father. However, he won’t be spending time behind bars.
Now, though, Leo looks to move on and start the upcoming 2016/17 season with positive news, as recent reports claim that the five-time Ballon d’Or winner will commit his future to the Blaugrana prior to the new campaign.
This is according to Mundo Deportivo, with the Spanish news outlet reporting that Messi will put pen to paper on a new deal upon his return to Camp Nou. Currently on holiday with his family, the Argentine’s new deal will keep him in Spain until 2021.
His current deal expires in 2018; as a result, Leo has been linked with a Barca exit. However, with a €250m buyout clause, only a few clubs can afford Messi’s services.
Mundo Deportivo don’t state how much La Pulga could earn with this new deal, nor if the player’s buyout clause will increase. Nonetheless, if true, this deal will all but mean Messi’s means to retire at the Catalan giants.
