Lionel Messi rejected an offer from an unnamed Russian club that would have made him the highest player in the world by some distance.

Messi received a staggering offer of €30 million a year after tax (£24.6 million, $40 million), but did not even consider the proposal as the Barcelona superstar eventually went on to sign a new contract with the club he has been with since he was little.

The salary would have made Messi easily the best paid footballer in the world, with the current highest earner Samuel Eto'o earning around €20 million (£16.4 million, $26.4 million). Eto'o incidentally plays for Russian club Anzhi Makhachkala.

The unnamed Russian club were also ready to match Messi's buyout clause of €250 million (£205 million, $331 million), but Barcelona rejected the offer outright and never considered selling theor prized possession.

Messi signed a new deal with Barcelona recently, worth around €16 million a season (£13 million, $21 million).

Meanwhile, Brazilian superstar Neymar has said it would be a dream to play for Barcelona, but insisted he has no particular preference when he does decide to make a move to Europe.

Neymar is one of the hottest properties outside Europe, and has been widely tipped to join Barca when he does decide to leave Santos, believed to be after the 2014 World Cup in his homeland.

"I am a Santos boy because my family brought me up here, and I don't see myself at another team," he was quoted as saying by AS.

"I don't have the aim to be the best player in the world, it's enough for me to just be happy where I am. I want to be relaxed, and enjoy my football, and I'm very happy at Santos.

"I am sure that one day the time to play in Europe will come. Barcelona have players that I've always admired and I think that I could play there.

"They have great players and playing there is one of my dreams, but I've never had a preference for Barcelona."