Lionel Messi and three Barcelona players ‘refusing to agree pay cut’ as row erupts – Express

Lionel Messi doesnt want to accept a 30 per cent pay cut at Barcelona, it has been claimed. The La Liga giants have been hit hard by the coronavirus crisis and want to balance the books. But doing so appears easier said than done.

Messis relationship with Barcelona has been considerably worsened over the past few months.

The Argentina international was furious at the sacking of Ernesto Valverde back in January and also didnt like the appointment of Quique Setien as his replacement.

Messi was further angered by the clubs Champions League exit to Bayern Munich last season, with the La Liga giants losing 8-2 on a chastening afternoon.

And he was unhappy at club president Josep Maria Bartomeu for denying him a move away from the Nou Camp, with the 33-year-old hoping to join Manchester City.

Now, as a result of the coronavirus crisis, Barcelona have asked their players to take a 30 per cent pay cut.

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But Spanish pundit Eduardo Inda has claimed Messi has rejected that proposal, saying: There are four players who accept the pay cut. They are Ter Stegen, De Jong, Lenglet, Gerard Pique and Sergi Roberto.

Messi and Pique disagree. And they will have no choice but to lower their salary.

Inda then claimed that Antoine Griezmann, Ousmane Dembele and Samuel Umtiti were all siding with Messi over the pay cut.

"There are three other French who have joined Messi in this war: Griezmann, Dembele and Umtiti," he added.

"What the club is proposing is 30% to reach 20% and balance the accounts.

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Barcelona are starting to fear a life without Messi, knowing the veteran will be able to leave the Nou Camp for free at the end of the season.

City remain keen on bringing the Argentine to the Etihad Stadium, despite Pep Guardiola missing out earlier in the summer.

And Barcelona icon Samuel Umtiti has expressed a belief that Borussia Dortmunds Youssoufa Moukoko can be Messis long-term successor in Catalonia, saying: [Theres] a young player who plays for Dortmund called Youssoufa Moukoko.

[Hes] 15 years of age, and hes the next top player, for me, after Messi.

As Messi gets older, we could prepare the future of Barcelona very well.

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Etoo believes the Dortmund star can help Antoine Griezmann shine, with the France international struggling ever since his move from Atletico Madrid back in the summer transfer window of 2019.

With Antoine and Youssoufa [up front together], that team would go forward very well, Etoo concluded.

[Id like to see] Kylian Mbappe at Barcelona also.

Other clubs who could sign Messi include Juventus and PSG.

But what ultimately happens regarding his long-term future is something only time will tell.

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Lionel Messi and three Barcelona players 'refusing to agree pay cut' as row erupts - Express