February 14 – Lionel Messi has been handed a ‘lifetime contract’ by Adidas that will tie him to the company until the end of his career. No figure was announced for the deal.
Messi announced the deal himself on Facebook with a picture of himself signing the contract. “Happy to be able to continue working with adidas many more years!” he posted.
Messi’s existing contract with the German appareil company was believed to be $10 million a year. Although he plays his club football for Barcelona, a Nike sponsored club, the new deal will see him continue to wear Adidas boots.
In 2014 it was rumoured that Adidas were prepared to pay half of his $270 million buyout clause if he moved from Barcelona to Chelsea. He didn’t move club.
Adidas are the official sponsor of his national team Argentina. Last summer announced his retirement from national duty after losing in the final of the Copa America in a penalty shootout. He then decided to return to the team for the World Cup qualification matches later in the year.
29 years old, Messi has played all of his professional career with Barcelona, scoring 487 goals in 564 games, including 31 in as many matches so far this campaign. He has won five Ballon D’Or World Player of the Year Awards as well as won four Champions League trophies, eight La Liga titles, four Copa de Rey finals, and three Club World Cups.
His contract with Barcelona runs out in 2018.
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