Lionel Messi is on the cusps of being the most desired free agent in football history. The Barcelona forward is out of contract in the summer with teams such as Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain interested in signing him. Messi made intentions known in the summer of 2020 that he wanted to leave Barcelona. However, not wanting to begin a legal war, Messi backed down for forcing a move away from Camp Nou.

Messi isn’t just desired for his playing abilities. The forward is just as valuable off the pitch as on it thanks to the marketing that surrounds him. In spite of a decline in trophies at Barcelona and an increase in age, Messi is still wanted by the Blaugrana. Reports this week indicate that Barcelona have offered Messi a new contract that would keep him at the club for the next 10 years. Despite the club’s financial issues, they are ready to tie themselves down to Messi until 2031 when Messi will turn 44.

If the Argentine signs the new contract, his salary will be cut in half. It is claimed Messi makes an unbelievable £2.1 million per week. This means Messi will still make around £1.05m per week and will rake in the amount for a decade. The contract will offer Messi financial security over the long term, something he doesn’t necessarily need at this point in his career.

Messi has been free to sign for another club since January as his current contract expires in June. It is believed the forward doesn’t want to leave the Catalan club and that is why Messi hasn’t signed with another club already. If Messi remains at Barcelona, the club are expected to overhaul the playing squad. The likes of Liverpool’s Georginio Wijnaldum and Borussia Dortmund’s Erling Haaland are linked to the club.

With the appeal, Messi brings to La Liga and Spanish football now that Cristiano Ronaldo is at Juventus, it is unlikely the Argentine will get away from Barcelona. La Liga is likely to intervene in some way.