Madrid: Barcelona and Lionel Messi have agreed an improved contract that will reportedly make the four-time World Player of the Year soccer’s best-paid player with a net annual salary of 20 million euros.

Barca did not publish details of the deal but Spanish media said Messi, 26, would remain tied to the club until June 2018, as in his previous contract, and could earn around 5 million euros more per season, in performance-linked bonuses.

Messi would also regain control of his image rights, one report said, further boosting the income of a man Forbes magazine estimates is the 10th highest-earning athlete, with annual revenues of $41.2 million including wages and endorsements.

“FC Barcelona has reached an agreement to adjust the terms in the contract binding Leo Messi to the club as a professional first team player,” Barca said. (Reuters)