In a year that saw him break a 40-year-old record for most goals in a calendar year, and in which he became a father, Lionel Messi has one more reason to smile. FC Barcelona reached an agreement with the Argentine striker, signing him until 2018 and raising his base salary to €16 million net ($21.2 million), which will make him the highest on-the-pitch earner in soccer. Barҫa is moving to secure their number one star’s presence in their squad, as evidenced by his prohibitive €250 million ($331.2 million) buyout clause and tax payments on his salary that reportedly totaled more than €20 million ($26.5 million). It seems worth it: since Messi became a pro, FC Barcelona has won 19 titles including three Champions Leagues and 5 domestic Ligas.
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