Somehow i dont believe this 50 %, it could be applicable when there is an extention, but in Messis case the contract ended month ago, how the hell can league say he cant sign for less than 50 % of the old one then? Thats total bullshit for me.
Also if Barca were so desperate to keep, why they kept signing players who like Aguero, Depay and also tried Wijnaldum.
Aguero definitely gets 10 m + net and Depay probably gets around 5-6m. They knew they had problems with current wages, yet they got new players on fat contracts and cried they couldnt register Messi - something is wrong for me here. Wouldnt be suprised that it was all media drama to not show Messi as a money whore and defend club interest, but in the end they knew from the start that he wont renew.