Lionel Messi is named world's best-paid player ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo

Barcelona superstar, Lionel Messi has been named world's best-paid player ahead of Real Madrid rival, Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Argentine footballer is expected to pocket £28million more than Cristiano Ronaldo this season after signing a giant £500,000-a-week deal last November.

According to France Football's latest figures, Mess is the best-paid player in world football on a staggering £110m when gross wages, bonuses and sponsorship deals are taken into account. He will become the first player to break through the £100m mark, making him significantly better off than long-time rival Ronaldo, who is set to earn £82m over the course of 2017-18.

Messi leapfrogged Ronaldo and regained the top spot after putting pen to paper on a contract worth half a million pounds a week earlier in the season.

Mail Online Football reported that Messi's deal, which runs until the summer of 2021 includes a giant £626m release clause, and a huge signing bonus of £80m.

Brazilian and PSG star, Neymar is third on the list with £71m, while, Real Madrid winger, Gareth Bale comes fourth on the list with £39m wages

Barcelona defender, Gerard Pique scooped the fifth position with £25m wages.

BEST PAID PLAYERS

1. Lionel Messi - £110m

2. Cristiano Ronaldo - £82m

3. Neymar - £71m

4. Gareth Bale - £39m

5. Gerard Pique - £25m