On Tuesday, Barcelona announced in a statement that it will take legal action against the Spanish newspaper ‘El Mundo’, which revealed to the public multiple details of Lionel Messi’s US$674 million contract.
“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,” they said.
On Saturday, the Spanish newspaper published an article according to which the four-year contract Messi agreed to in 2017 was worth a possible US$674 million until 30 June 2021.
In that case, the Argentine would be paid up to US$168 million per season.
In addition, the Catalan club expressed their absolute support “for Lionel Messi, especially in the face of any attempt to discredit his image, and to damage his relationship with the entity where he has worked to become the best player in the world and in football history.”
Messi’s contract expires in less than five months and his future is more uncertain than ever. Last August, the Rosario-born player submitted a transfer request, which was rejected by the club. Two months later, club president Josep Maria Bartomeu resigned.
In December, the Argentinian footballer admitted that even he does not know what will happen.
