BARCELONA star Lionel Messi’s new contract will see him earn more than Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo, according to reports in Spain.
After months of speculation, Messi has pledged his future to Barcelona by signing a new deal that lasts until 2021.
The Argentina international was at his brilliant best last term, scoring 54 goals from 52 games across all competitions as the club ended the campaign with the Copa del Rey to their name.
And, as a result, Barcelona have now handed him a contract extension with a salary worth £500,000 a week.
It means the 29-year-old will become the world’s second highest-paid player, ahead of Real Madrid star Ronaldo and just behind Shanghai Shenhua’s Carlos Tevez.
Ronaldo currently pockets a handsome £365,000 each week, which works out at roughly £19million each year.
But Messi’s contract means he will earn nearly £7m more each year than his La Liga rival.
And Spanish outlet Don Balon reckon this could lead to Ronaldo renewing with Madrid, with the 32-year-old’s future in the capital up in the air.
The former Manchester United star reportedly wants to quit Spain after being accused of tax evasion by the authorities.
However, he could end up staying if Real can offer him equal status with Messi.
Ronaldo will supposedly be angry if they fail to come to an agreement which could be the final nail in the coffin for his Madrid career.
Source:www.express.co.uk