Barcelona chief Josep Maria Bartomeu 'demands Lionel Messi take a pay cut'

Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu is reportedly ready to request that Lionel Messi take a pay cut at Camp Nou.

Despite the precarious financial situation at the Catalan giants, Bartomeu has refused to allow Messi to leave the club before the end of his contract in 2021.

However, at a time when tension remains between the two parties, it appears that the club's long-serving superstar will now be asked to reduce his wages.

According to Deportes Cuatro, Bartomeu will demand that the 33-year-old takes the lead when it comes to helping Barcelona balance their books.

The request is due to be made during the pair's first face-to-face talks since the saga which transpired earlier in the summer.