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Lionel Messi’s contract talks with Barcelona “are going satisfactorily,” club president Joan Laporta insists … with the superstar still free agent as Nou camp chiefs seek to resolve financial dilemma
- Lionel Messi remains free agent as negotiations with Barcelona continue
- His Camp Nou deal allowed to end despite advances
- Joan Laporta took stock and revealed talks “are going well”
- Barcelona face financial crisis as they seek to re-enroll Messi
Barcelona president Joan Laporta has revealed that the club are getting closer and closer to a deal to renew Lionel Messi’s contract.
Messi, 34, is now a free agent after both sides were unable to negotiate terms before his previous deal was canceled on June 30 – although negotiations are continuing.
And, despite the lack of a breakthrough, Laporta is confident that Messi will eventually put pen to paper and re-engage his future with Barca.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta said the club are making progress in talks with Lionel Messi
He said pop magician in Spain, via Marca: ‘[Messi’s deal] is progressing well enough.
Having finally won his very first international trophy with Argentina following the final Copa America triumph over Brazil, Messi will soon be looking to his uncertain future at club.
With Barcelona currently in the throes of a widespread financial crisis, Messi has been coy about what to expect.
Laporta described negotiations with free agent Messi as “progressing well enough”
Ronald Koeman recently admitted that the dilemma weighed on his mind, but he also expressed his belief that Laporta will be able to find a solution.
“Whenever a problem isn’t solved, you have to worry,” Koeman told Spanish newspaper Marca during a charity golf tournament.
“But I have full confidence in our president to solve this problem; it’s very important for the club, but also for La Liga, that the best player in the world stays and we all have to make an effort to keep him going with us.
Barcelona will have to cut their payroll considerably as La Liga have their own financial fair play rules, which limit what each club can spend on salaries.
Messi (pictured holding the Copa del Rey trophy) saw his Nou Camp contract come to an end
It has been reported by RAC 1 that the Camp Nou team need to wipe out 187million euros (£ 156million) from their existing payroll – with the limit now standing at 160million euros (£ 136million) ) compared to € 347m last year (£ 296m).
This stumbling block has prevented Barcelona from formally settling the details of Messi’s new contract, meaning they will have to mend the gaping hole in their finances first to secure the deal.
Meanwhile, Messi is losing around € 100,000 (£ 86,000) a day after leaving the club, according to L’Equipe.
Despite Messi’s wish to stay, Barcelona must first find a solution to their nightmarish financial woes
Previously, he was making 139million euros a year, but that figure will drop significantly if he pledges his future at Barcelona again.
For now, however, Messi will continue to celebrate his Copa America silverware, and Laporta said the result made his club “cry for joy”.
“All Catalans, Barcelona, Catalonia and everyone in football are happy because Leo won the Copa America,” added Laporta.
Messi finally won his first international trophy with Argentina with his Copa America triumph
“It’s very exciting to see the best player in football history getting excited about winning a title like this and he made us all cry for joy.
“He is very happy, we are all happy, I am happy for Leo, with his teammates, and for Argentina to be in the top flight again – and also for [Sergio] Agüero.
“I’m happy for Messi’s family, for Argentina, for Barcelona who are recognized, admired and loved for having this connection with Leo.”
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