Lionel Messi contract extension talks ‘going well’, says Barcelona president Joan Laporta

Barcelona president Joan Laporta says talks over a new contract with Lionel Messi are “going well”.

Messi’s current deal is due to expire in the summer and he has been linked with clubs from all over Europe, namely Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain.

Barcelona, however, want the 33-year-old to stay at the club and pen fresh terms for a new deal.

Laporta, the club’s new president, says talks are going well with the Argentina international and he is hopeful an agreement can be reached.

“With regards to Messi, we know that there is a lot of expectation surrounding his continuation as well,” said Laporta.

“The new contract is going well, but it is not done yet. We are working hard with regards to this contract, all of the executives that we have involved here.

“We are working hard to give him a good proposal. We are going to give him a proposal that is within our means and we hope that it’ll be accepted by the player.

“I insist that our relationship is very good. Messi loves Barca. We know that he is a man and a player conditioned by his incredible talent.

“So, of course, we all want him to continue and we hope that he will continue with Barca.”

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