Lionel Messi agrees to stay at Barcelona on reduced wages until 2026

According to details, the announcement is dependent on the 34-year old player departures that will allow Barca to fund his wages.

Messi was a free agent after his contract reportedly paying him £123m a season, expired on 30 June.

The Argentinean player is presently on a break after winning the Copa America and the details of the contract are yet to be finalized.

Re-signing Messi was the principal summer target of new chairman Joan Laporta.

FC Barcelona is also looking at a swap deal involving forward Antoine Griezmann and Atletico Madrid midfielder Saul Niguez, with the idea of reducing the wage bill.

Messi is arguably one of the best footballers of recent times. He is a record scorer for Barcelona with 672 goals and 10 La Liga. He has also claimed the Ballon d'Or on a record six occasions.