Barcelona president Joan Laporta has confirmed that the club owe Lionel Messi wages until 2025.
Messi ended his 21-year stay at Barcelona in 2021, bidding an emotional farewell as the Spanish giants decided against renewing his contract due to their perilous financial position.
The 36-year-old went on to join Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer, adding two Ligue 1 titles to his trophy cabinet during an up-and-down time in the French capital.
Messi was heavily linked with a move back to Barcelona this summer after PSG opted not to extend his contract, with the La Liga champions working hard to complete a deal.
However, the Argentina captain ultimately decided to join MLS side Inter Miami instead, ending his legendary career on European soil.
Messi's lucrative contract in the United States will be topped up by a share of the earnings from the league's Apple TV+ deal and Adidas' sales of the Miami kit.
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Laporta has also confirmed that Messi will receive another source of income due to ongoing payments from Barcelona, which are set to last another two years.
The money is from deferred wages that Messi agreed to under Barcelona's previous ownership, which contributed to the dire financial state of the club that ultimately forced Messi out of the door at Camp Nou.
"What is owed to him is the deferral of wages that was agreed with the previous board and that produces outstanding payments that end in 2025," Laporta told La Vanguardia.
Laporta also confirmed plans to hold a tribute for Messi when the newly-renovated Camp Nou opens its doors again.
The World Cup winner scored a record 672 goals in 778 appearances for Barcelona during his illustrious and trophy-laden spell in Catalonia.
In that time, Messi helped the club to 34 trophies, including 10 La Liga titles, four Champions Leagues and seven Copas del Rey.
The seven-time Ballon d'Or winner has not yet joined up with his new teammates in Miami, but is expected to make his debut for the struggling MLS outfit later this month.
Barney Corkhill
