One of Joan Laporta’s campaign promises on his path to becoming the Barcelona president was to convince Lionel Messi to stay at Barcelona.
The player’s contract is set to expire at the end of the current season and has stated that he plans to make a final decision once the season is over.
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However, Laporta is already working on trying to come up with a deal that would entice Messi to stay.
Re-signing Lionel Messi is a priority for Barcelona president Joan Laporta.
According to Sport, Laporta has already met with his agent Jorge Messi to discuss a new contract. The report claims that both sides came away with “good feelings” and optimism that an agreement can be reached.
No numbers or details were discussed as Laporta needs to wait until the summer to get the full scope of Barcelona’s financial situation. A situation that both Messi and his father understand.
There is a rumored proposal that would see Messi stay at the Nou Camp for two more seasons and then have the opportunity to go to the United States and play in MLS. Once he calls time on his career, he would return and take a place in within the club.
Of course, the option of deciding to leave and join another team in Europe exists.
PSG is one of the clubs that have shown interest and that can afford to pay his wages. The Parisian side also reportedly have made an offer to Messi. One that the Catalan side cannot match.
But that proposal appears to have Laporta and his board unconcerned at the moment. Again, they know that Messi will not make a decision until the end of the season. He is focused solely on helping the team win the league and end a tumultuous campaign with a double.
Only a handful of weeks remain until the league ends. Then, and only then, will Messi’s ultimate decision be known. If Laporta’s meeting with his Jorge Messi is any indication, there is hope that Messi will finish out his European career as a one-club man.