Lionel Messi turns down £460,000-a-week after £205m release clause is triggered
Barcelona forward shuns offer from unknown Russian club
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Lionel Messi has just put pen to paper on a new long-term deal at Barcelona, one which includes a £205m release clause.
Despite the crazy figure written into the contract, according to a report, an unknown Russian club triggered it, and offered the world's greatest player £460,000-a-week to tempt him away.
The fee of £205m would easily have made Messi the most expensive player of all time, surpassing the £80m Real Madrid paid Manchester United for Cristiano Ronaldo.
However, The Sun claim Messi turned down the offer of £24m a year after tax, understood to have been made by Anzhi Makhachkala.
Messi and Barcelona were reportedly shocked that a club was willing to pay the prohibitive release clause, yet after talks with Barca president Sandro Rosell and his family the Argentine opted to remain at the Nou Camp.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments