When you thought Lionel Messi was having one of the worst seasons he has ever had for FC Barcelona, he shows why he is considered to be one of the best players in the world during Barcelona’s last two La Liga games.
The Argentine made his first appearance of 2021 for Blaugrana in their match against Athletic Bilbao, in which he netted a brace and helped his side to three points in a 3-2 victory.
Furthermore, he continued that fine goalscoring form once again when he recorded another double in their 4-0 win against Granada – with Antoine Greizmann hitting a brace as well – as he helped lift his side to third in the La Liga table.
The 33-year-old has had a slow start by all accounts, however he has managed to hit 11 goals this season; more than anybody else has managed in the current 2020/21 La Liga campaign. Indeed, he could be considered a great bet for those using https://www.apuestas24.mx to find the best odds around.
There are, of course, doubts as to whether Lionel Messi will be at Barcelona beyond the summer; something many would not have even thought possible a few months back prior to his shock desires.
However, whilst his absence from the pitch could be costly, it will also hurt FC Barcelona in the pocket, as well.
Spanish media outlet, Marca, are reporting that Lionel Messi will cost the club a vast amount of money from loyalty bonuses he has with them.
For instance, when he renewed his contract back in 2017, the La Liga club increased his salary by over €100 million and would also give him €78 million as a loyalty bonus which would be paid in two instalments.
The first instalment had only just been paid in July, thus meaning the second instalment is yet to paid. This is scheduled to take place at the end of the current La Liga season and is said to consist of eight different payments over a four-year period.
Indeed, the fact that he is yet to receive the second half of the €39 million means FC Barcelona are going to have to start paying him around £170,000 a week, even if he is not on their books.
There are only a couple of clubs in the world of football who will be able to afford Lionel Messi’s salary – with Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain considered to be those – and they are likely going to have to stump up a healthy sum.
However, with instalments worth around £170,000 a week arriving in Lionel Messi’s bank account bi-yearly, he is hardly going to be short for cash at any moment.
