The legendary bond between Lionel Messi and Barcelona has always transcended the pitch. But even four years after their dramatic separation, the financial ties between the two have lingered. Now, in a twist that few saw coming, the Inter Miami star is set for an unexpected financial windfall — and it’s coming straight from the very club he once carried to global glory.
As reported by Sport, Barcelona has officially completed the final instalment of its deferred wage agreements with players and staff from the tumultuous 2020 season. This final payment of €16 million marks the closure of a financial crisis that once threatened the club’s very existence.
The origin of the crisis dates back to the presidency of Josep Maria Bartomeu, whose tenure was marred by mismanagement and spiraling debts. The situation worsened significantly with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused a steep decline in revenues. In response, the club struck a historic agreement with the squad: 42.9% of fixed salaries and 100% of performance bonuses would be deferred across eight biannual payments — from December 2021 to June 2025.
Messi’s deferral finally paid in full
And among those affected, Lionel Messi had the most to receive. According to Sport, the Argentine icon deferred a jaw-dropping €47.6 million, with the final €5.96 million now paid to him as part of this June instalment.
“The club has finally managed to settle its debt with Leo Messi,” noted Sport, highlighting that this settlement effectively brings to a close the unresolved financial obligations Barcelona held toward its greatest-ever player.
Messi’s former teammates also benefited from the final round of payments. Samuel Umtiti received €9.9 million, Sergio Busquets €8.2 million, Antoine Griezmann €8 million, Jordi Alba €7.6 million, and Philippe Coutinho €6.6 million. Meanwhile, Ronald Koeman, Barcelona’s former manager who recently reconciled with club president Joan Laporta, received nearly €6 million in deferred wages.
Other notable figures included Ousmane Dembele and Miralem Pjanic (both owed €5.1 million), Sergi Roberto (€4.8 million), and Neto (€2.5 million). Even fringe and youth players such as Sergino Dest, Martin Braithwaite, Junior Firpo, Pedri, and Ansu Fati had deferred payments.
Financial turmoil born of crisis
The magnitude of these figures underscores just how deeply Barcelona’s 2020 financial collapse ran. The club deferred a total of €121.7 million in wages and bonuses to avoid imploding under its own wage bill. These measures were introduced under interim president Carles Tusquets, shortly after Bartomeu resigned in disgrace.
“This is a moment of financial closure for Barcelona,” wrote Sport. “With the final €16 million paid out, the club has erased one of its most pressing legacy debts and opened a new chapter of stability.”
The impact of the crisis lingered well beyond 2020. As recently as this season, the club had to fight legal battles just to register new signings, such as Dani Olmo and Pau Victor, amid ongoing wage cap issues imposed by La Liga.
