Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi will soon become the highest paid footballer.

According to a reliable source Messi’s new deal is expected to increase year-on-year, the Argentine international earning will be increased to £12.5 million-a-year net before bonuses at the highest level,also the player’s pay after bonuses in any one season will automatically become his basic salary the following year – opening the possibility of multi-million pound increases each season.

Top Ten richest players:
1) Lionel Messi - Barcelona (£27.5m)
2) David Beckham - Free agent (£26.2m)
3) Cristiano Ronaldo - Real Madrid (£24.3m)
4) Samuel Eto'o - Anzhi Makhachkala (£19.4m)
5) Wayne Rooney - Manchester United (£17.2m)
6) Zlatan Ibrahimovic - Paris St Germain (£16m)
7) Sergio Aguero - Manchester City (£15.7m)
8) Yaya Toure - Manchester City (£14.7m)
9) Fernando Torres - Chelsea (£13.9m)
10) Kaka - Real Madrid (£12.9m)