News reaching our desk from Catalan Club Barcelona indicate how the Argentina forward Lionel Messi has agreed to deduct his salary by 50% in order to stay the club.

The 33 year old who helped Argentina win a first major international trophy in 28 years is said to pen a five year contract that will see him stay at the Ronald Koeman coached side till 2026.

Messi, a six time Ballon d’Or winner was named the Player of the tournament in the recently concluded Copa America after his four goals and five assists guided Argentina to a first major trophy in 28 years and top finish as tournament top scorer.

If he signs a contract extension at Barcelona, it will be club president Joan Laporta’s first success at the club in his first term, as it was his major priority while campaigning, to keep Messi at the club.

Record Ballon d’Or winner Messi is still in the run for  another Ballon d’Or after he was La Liga top scorer last season (35) before guiding the club to Copa del Rey championship. With Copa America MVP and top scorer accolades to his name, Messi is in contention for another Ballon d’Or with competition from Chelsea’s Kante N’Golo Kante and Jorginho, Christiano Ronaldo and Others.