PSG issue angry response to Messi contract reports

PSG sporting director Leonardo has responded to reports in France of Lionel Messi’s contract details allegedly being leaked.

Leonardo has branded claims that Paris Saint-Germain could pay Lionel Messi around €110 million as ‘completely false’ and ‘unacceptable’.

French newspaper L’Equipe reported on Saturday that Messi will earn €30 million (£26m/$35m) per season after taxes, as well as an annual €10m loyalty bonus for spending a second and third year in France.

Lionel Messi makes €30 million net this season with PSG, €40 million his second season and if he stays for the optional third season, it's another €40 million. He would make a total of €110 million. This per L'Équipe. pic.twitter.com/yssg6JcSVs

— Roy Nemer (@RoyNemer) September 18, 2021

Messi, who signed a two-year contract, with the option for a third season included, in August, could leave France in 2024 with a €110 million profit if L’Equipe’s claims are true.

“We can’t accept this,” said PSG sporting director Leonardo, as per Marca. “This is unacceptable. This is completely false. I wanted to tell you that. I think it’s a lack of respect and we didn’t like it. I don’t understand the timing. This is really very far from the truth, on the duration and the numbers.

“There are confidentiality clauses, but I can say that this is not the truth. The duration of the contract is two years. It’s wrong, it’s not that, and we didn’t like it.”

Messi could make his home debut for PSG in Sunday evening’s Ligue 1 clash with Lyon at the Parc des Princes. For match details, visit the link here.