Lionel Messi’s Nine Unbelievable Demands to Renew His Barcelona Contract in 2020 Leaked

• Lionel Messi reportedly tabled shocking nine conditions to Barcelona before he wanted to extend his contract
• Messi joined Barcelona's La Masia as a 13-year-old kid after his family agreed to let him sign for the Camp Nou club
• The Argentine genius signed for PSG last year summer, calling an emotional end to his 21-year career in Catalonia

Before signing a two-year contract with Paris Saint-German last year, Lionel Messi had first attempted to leave Barcelona in 2020.

The seven-time Ballon d'Or winner had one year left on his contract at that time and was looking forward to plying his trade elsewhere.

But Barcelona, under the leadership of Josep Bartomeu, was poised to renew the Argentina captain's contract for a further three years until 2023.

According to a report by El Mundo, cited by Barca Universal, Messi then tabled several wishes to renew his contract in 2020.

Real Madrid flop opens up on how excessive partying and women destroyed his career

Football

Apparently, the 35-year-old made nine whopping demands to renew his contract and stay at Camp Nou.

Here is the comprehensive list of requests of the Argentine genius at that time:

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:

Earlier this summer, 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.

Pique clashes with Xavi as Barcelona defender upset for getting limited game time this season

Football

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.

Lewandowski delighted to sign for Barcelona as Poland striker reflects on fantastic start to life in Spain

Football

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.

Barcelona Reportedly Open Negotiations With Lionel Messi’s Representatives for Stunning Return in 2023

Barcelona are desperate to get Lionel Messi back a the club, Sports Brief earlier reported.

The club have reportedly opened negotiations with the player for a sensational return to the Camp Nou in 2023.

SportBible reported that Barcelona president Joan Laporta had already started discussions with Messi’s representatives. The player’s representatives are led by his father and agent, Jorge Messi.