Barcelona: Joan Laporta opens up on Lionel Messi contract negotiations

Barcelona and Lionel Messi have finally begun the Argentine’s contract negotiations. The player’s current deal ends on June 30 and if a new deal isn’t signed, Messi could leave as a free agent.

After last year’s burofax incident, Messi looked unhappy and came very close to leaving his beloved club. There is growing confidence that the captain will stay especially after the appointment of Joan Laporta who is determined to have a winning sporting project. At this point in time, Messi is not looking for monetary gains or bumper contracts, he wants Barcelona to be competitive again and having a proper sporting project becomes very necessary.

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The Blaugrana began La Pulga’s contract negotiations as Laporta and the player’s father who is also his agent, Jorge Messi, met a couple of weeks ago to discuss the 33-year old’s future. The initial round of talks had a positive outcome and both parties looked optimistic.

Laporta is also hopeful that the sporting changes plus the incoming transfers will convince Messi about the project and make him extend his stay at Camp Nou. A lot will also depend on the manager as the job of Ronald Koeman is also under scrutiny.

Barcelona are currently negotiating with Lionel Messi

As per the latest reports from Spanish media outlet Mundo Deportivo, Messi already knows Barcelona’s offer. There have been meetings between Laporta and Jorge Messi recently and an informal offer has been put on the table. The contract is not official yet but the economics of the contract have been verbally discussed.

As per the new deal, Messi would earn half of what he earns over the span of 10 years. Messi is waiting to know about the club’s sporting project and who will be in charge of the club next season. As certain details have emerged, President Laporta has also opened up slightly on Messi’s contract negotiations.

"“Messi’s new contract is going well, but it has not been done. We must continue working with all the executives involved. We will make a proposal that sits within the possibilities of the club. The relationship is good. We are preparing whatever is necessary within the possibilities of the club for Leo to continue.”“We have made an offer within the possibilities of Barca. Leo surely deserves much more and can achieve more. But, because of his desire to make Barca great, I think he is appreciating the effort being made and I think he is very excited to continue. It is not a question of money, it is a team project with the possibility of winning everything. We have moderate optimism.” (via Goal)"

To be fair, this is a very positive statement from Laporta which means things are heading in the right direction. Hopefully, the Cules can have some exciting news in a few weeks’ time.

How quickly will we see Lionel Messi signing a new deal with Barca?