FC Barcelona remains confident about an extension of the deal of its superstar Lionel Messi. The Argentine striker on Thursday is free agent for the first time in history.
Since his first deal signed on December 14, 2000, Messi, who just celebrated his 34th birthday on June 24, has always been linked to Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain.
Messi signified his desire to leave Barcaelona by sending a “Burofax” ten months ago which has remained famous to the management of the club. A letter that had triggered all the alarms within the Catalan management, and which had led to the resignation of president Josep Maria Bartomeu, in October 2020.
With Barcelona now confident Messi will stay at Camp Nou, new club president Joan Laporta is understood to be focusing on how to build a new super-team.
“I would like to say that Messi’s contract renewal is already done, but it is not like that. The talks are going well, but it is not done.” Laporta said.
“The idea is to reach an agreement as soon as possible. It is convenient for him and also for us because if we solve this matter others would be solved faster.
“We are confident because he wants to stay. We are doing everything possible to offer him a competitive team. We have signed Sergio Kun Aguero who reminds him every day at the Copa America that he has to sign so they can play together.” Laporta added.
Laporta went on to explain that Messi agreed to stay at Barcelona if the new board make sure that they meet his demands, which are anything but financial.
“I am not contemplating getting a no as an answer, I am optimistic. He wants to stay and we do what we can. It is not easy.” Laporta said.
“He is still the best in the world and is coveted by other clubs that have greater financial potential. We compete against state clubs that can undermine transfers that we are trying to carry out. It is not fair.
“We live in a difficult moment in which it is not enough to make an offer and reach an agreement. Now things have to fit together. And this requires patience.” he added.
