Barcelona dramatically let Lionel Messi go in 2021 after failing to renew his contract due to financial difficulties. This ended a two-decade relationship between the two parties, and the Argentine superstar made a tearful farewell. But even after four more years, Messi’s salary remains unpaid at the Catalan club. He is finally about to receive an arrears of around 6 million euros (more than 85 crores).
After leaving with a bitter experience, Messi joined the French club Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). His two seasons there also did not go well. Although there were several talks about returning to Barcelona, Messi joined the American Major League Soccer (MLS) club Inter Miami in mid-2023. However, the issue of his arrears from Barcelona was hidden.
Spanish media outlet ‘Sport’ reported that according to Messi’s last contract in 2020, the Catalan club was supposed to receive 48 million euros in several installments. However, Barca, which was suffering from a financial crisis at the time, had yet to make the last installment. Of course, Messi is not alone in this case, several other players and coaches have accumulated arrears of wages with the Spanish giants. Barca’s financial distress began during the Corona pandemic in 2020. As a result, Samuel Umtiti, Sergio Busquets, Philippe Coutinho, Ousmane Dembele and former manager Ronald Koeman were delayed in receiving their contractual payments.
At that time, Barcelona’s president was Josep Maria Bartomeu. He is also largely responsible for the club’s split with Messi. He struggled to manage financial matters in the post-Corona period. However, the issue did not end there. New discussions have emerged in the Spanish media about paying Messi’s dues. At the beginning of the just-ended season, Barca also had trouble registering Dani Olmo and Pau Victor in La Liga. Which was later resolved by a court ruling.
Meanwhile, Messi has recently come under discussion over his record salary at his current club Inter Miami. According to the news agency AP, Messi’s annual income in Miami stands at $24.46 million, which is about 248 million taka in Bangladeshi currency. Which is more than the total salary of the players in the 21 teams in MLS. A team with a high salary like Messi will naturally be at the top of the league in terms of spending. According to the calculations as of May 23, Messi’s Miami spent a record-high $46.8 million in the league in MLS.
Messi and his team Miami are currently busy playing in the FIFA Club World Cup. The Florida club has also advanced to the second round, participating in the tournament for the first time. In the upcoming match of the last sixteen, they will fight against Messi’s former club PSG. Both teams will face each other today (Sunday) at 10 pm Bangladesh time. Miami got 5 points in the group stage with one win and two draws, and they were in second place in Group ‘A’.
FAQ
Why does Barcelona owe Lionel Messi €6 million?
The €6 million is part of Messi’s unpaid wages from his final contract with Barcelona. Due to financial difficulties, the club deferred several payments which are now being settled.
When did Messi leave Barcelona?
Messi left Barcelona in August 2021 after the club was unable to renew his contract due to La Liga’s financial fair play regulations.
Why did it take four years for Barcelona to make this payment?
Barcelona has been dealing with serious financial challenges and restructuring debts. The delay was due to their financial situation and negotiations regarding the settlement.
Has Messi taken legal action against the club?
No official legal action has been reported. The payment is reportedly part of an agreed settlement between Messi’s representatives and Barcelona.
Is this the only amount Barcelona owes Messi?
While this €6 million is the confirmed settlement, it is unclear whether any smaller or additional amounts remain. This appears to close the major pending dues.
