Lionel Messi may eclipse Wayne Rooney as world most expensive player after signing new deal with Barcelona

London: Argentine forward Lionel Messi is reportedly set to surpass Manchester United ace Wayne Rooney as the world's most expensive player after agreeing on a new contract with his team Barcelona.

Rooney signed a new 15.6 million pounds-a-year deal in February to top the reported salaries of Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi, whose was thought to be earning 12.08 million pounds-a-year before agreeing his new deal, according to the 2013 Forbes rich list.

According to the BBC, Messi's last deal, agreed in February last year, was due to run until 2018 although Barcelona has yet to release details about the length of the new deal with the player, who has scored 41 goals in 43 games this season.

The report mentioned that the announcement followed lengthy negotiations, during which it was suggested that the four-time Ballon d'Or winner would be tied to the club until June 2019 and will be paid 16.3 million pounds-a-season, plus bonuses.

Barcelona coach Gerardo Martino said that the new deal should give peace to Messi and especially to the club, who can continue to count on the best player in the world.