Messi to sign 5-year contract with Barça

Moscow, July 14: Argentine star Lionel Messi is set to sign a new contract with Barcelona to stay for another five years at his boyhood club, La Vanguardia newspaper reported on Wednesday as speculation over his future looms large over the footballing world.
The newspaper has learned that the official announcement is expected later this week as the contract is being finalised. The club hopes to be able to obtain approval for the contract’s registration without violating Financial Fair Play rules that bar egregious spending. The previous contract of the six-time Ballon d’Or winner expired on June 30. Messi reportedly agreed to a 50 per cent salary reduction. (UNI)