[Locke]

Barcaleaks!!

Messi's insane 2020 Demands for a new Barca Contract.

1. A contract extension of three years: Lionel Messi was 33 at the time. He was the reigning Ballon d'Or winner and had shown no signs of slowing down.

2. A private box for the families of Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez: According to the report, Messi requested for a private box, not only for his family, but that of Luis Suarez at Camp Nou for game days.

3. Private plane: Lionel Messi demanded that his whole family will be given a private Christmas flight for a visit to Argentina.

4. A renewal bonus worth €10 million: Kylian Mbappe was slammed for receiving a renewal bonus for extending his contract with PSG. Apparently, Lionel Messi had demanded a €10 million renewal bonus before the Frenchman, back in 2020.

5. Elimination of release clause: Lionel Messi wanted his release clause removed before extending his contract. His clause back in 2022 was reportedly around the region of €700 million but Messi wanted it lowered to €10,000. Remember, Spanish football operates with the release clause system, that allows other clubs to trigger a clause in the player’s contract to move ahead with direct negotiations.

6. Repayment of wage cuts: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the playing body of Barcelona took a pay-cut to help the club overcome their financial challenges. . However, Lionel Messi, who was the captain of the team, demanded the club to pay back his wages, and with an interest rate of 3%.

7. Wage raise with tax: Messi wanted an increase in remuneration in the event of an increase in taxes by the Spanish government. He wanted the Blaugrana to compensate the difference so that his net salary will not be reduced.

8. Renewal of his personal assistant's contract: Lionel Messi employed a personal assistant, Pepe Costa. However, Costa was on the payroll of Barcelona. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Barcelona wanted to terminate Costa's contract but Messi demanded he continue.

9. Commission to his brother: Lionel Messi asked Barcelona to pay a renewal bonus to his brother, Rodrigo Messi, as well. Rodrigo was agent for Ansu Fati at the time and could have been instrumental in the youngster's renewal, so the club agreed to this, too.

Reports suggest that Bartomeu agreed to all but two of Lionel Messi's demands: lowering his release clause to €10,000 and the €10 million signing bonus.

https://sportsbrief.com/football/bar...contract-2020/