US superstar Megan Rapinoe has insisted that she is "not asking to earn the same salary as [Lionel] Messi" amid her ongoing battle for equal pay.
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The US international, who lifted the 2019 Women's Ballon d'Or, reiterated her position on equal pay last month as she delivered a powerful speech in front of President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden at the White House.
Rapinoe has returned to international duty with the US women's side as they drew 1-1 with Sweden at the Friends Arena on the weekend.
The American winger's penalty late into the second half rescued the four-time Women's World Cup winners from defeat.
Speaking ahead of the US team's clash with France on Tuesday, Rapinoe hit out at the idea that she was after a staggering salary like the one that Messi has at Barcelona.
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The two-time Women's World Cup winner told RMC Sport: "We are just fighting for equality in investments, opportunities, same funds and resources to the team.
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"I am not asking to earn the same salary as Messi and that is the truth."
Rapinoe has recently been criticised by Hope Solo after she claimed that the Women's Ballon d'Or winner was part of the team that signed a "less-than-equal collective bargaining agreement" in 2016.
"Megan led the team into signing a less-than-equal collective bargaining agreement," Solo said.
"We were so close to achieving equal pay in 2016; it was offered to us, we were about to sign the contract with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission [EEOC].
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"But Megan Rapinoe and the leaders of that team signed a less-than-equal CBA, which is concerning for the overall class-action suit and the overall fight.
"But, trust me, we have history on our side, as well as congressmen and women.
"President Joe Biden is going to fight for equal pay -- we believed in him four years ago and we believe in him now."
Featured Image Credit: PATopics: NWSL, Football, Barcelona, Lionel Messi, National Women's Soccer League, Spain, Megan Rapinoe, La Liga, US