Newly-elected Barcelona president Joan Laporta says he is convinced that Lionel Messi will extend his stay at the club amid rumors of his imminent exit. The 33-year-old superstar's current contract is set to end at the season concludes and could see him secure a move elsewhere as a free-agent.
Last season, the Argentine came close to ending his spell at the club but decided agains taking the initiative at the 11th hour in order to avoid dragging the Catalan club into a legal feud. After the episode involving former Blaugrana president Josep Maria Bartomeu, the Argentine talisman decided to see out the reminder of his current contract.
However, claims which suggested that he could be heading out of the club for cheap have reduced significantly with new Barcelona president Joan Laporta constantly reiterating that it is his desire to make sure that his side holds onto the greatest-ever player in their history. Ahead of El Clasico last weekend, manager of rivals Real Madrid made a plea to the Catalans to hold onto their talisman as he believes that his value in La Liga cannot be underemphasized.
"Everything is progressing well," Laporta told LaSexta on Friday.
"I will do everything within the club's capabilities to get him to continue with us. That's what we're doing.
"Leo is very motivated. He is an extraordinary person who wants to continue at Barca, I am convinced of that."
Barcelona were recently dumped out of the Champions League by Paris Saint-Germain and have seemingly lost ground in their pursuit for La Liga title following last weekend's defeat to Real Madrid in El Clasico. On Saturday, the Camp Nou outfit will have the opportunity to pick their first silverware of the season when they lock-horns with Athletic Club de Bilbao in the Copa Del Rey final. A win will secure them their first trophy since the 2018-19 season.
