Lionel Messi's barcelona deal was a shocker to two NBA stars

[Naijafans]

Lionel Messi's astronomical contract at Barcelona was so lucrative that it has even stunned two NBA stars.

Argentina icon Messi's Barcelona deal expired on June 30, which means he is now a free agent and can sign for any club in the world.

But he remains in negotiations over fresh terms with the Nou Camp club and is still unlikely to make a sensational move elsewhere.

Barca are in a financial crisis meaning Messi will almost certainly have to take a pay-cut to stay.

But that will hardly be a problem for the six-time Ballon d'Or winner, after details of his mouthwatering contract were revealed.

Leaks from Spain suggest Messi earned a staggering €555,237,619 (£491m), across a four-year contract

El Mundo reported in January that the 34-year-old was taking home what worked out at £122m-per-season, plus a loyalty bonus of £69m.

The mind-boggling figures make up the biggest contract in sporting history and that has got other big names talking.

NBA stars are among the highest-paid athletes in world sport but even two of their most high-profile stars were left in disbelief.

Kevin Durant is said to earn over $160m over his four-year contract at NBA outfit Brooklyn Jets but even he was gobsmacked with Messi's salary, describing it as 'insane'.

Isaiah Thomas was also stunned at Messi's earnings and hilariously suggested he needs to change the career path of his children after reading the news.

"OMG. I gotta put my kids in Futbol lol," he tweeted.

After his colossal Barca contract ran out, Messi's club future has looked uncertain.

Messi is currently at the Copa America with Argentina and inspired a 3-0 quarter-final victory over Ecuador on Sunday.

He netted a free-kick and assisted two other goals as the Argentines set up an enticing semi-final tie against Colombia

But attention will soon turn to his club future and Barcelona are desperate not to let their greatest-player-of-all-time leave.

Lionel Messi’s record-breaking Barcelona contract leaves NBA stars gobsmacked

NBA stars are among the highest-paid athletes in global sport but two high profile names have been left stunned at Lionel Messi's mouthwatering contract at Barcelona

www.dailystar.co.uk