Barcelona president Joan Laporta has offered fans an update on the Lionel Messi situation, with the Blaugrana icon officially becoming a free agent after passing the June 30 expiration date of his previous Camp Nou contract.
The Argentine superstar has long been locked in negotiations with the Catalan giants, with fans fretting over his future after his failed attempt to leave last summer. The six-time Ballon d'Or winner, who turned 34 last month, issued a transfer request last year and was pushing for a move to one of Man City or PSG after another disappointing campaign, but was forced to remain by former president Josep Maria Bartomeu.
However, the arrival of Laporta began a turn of events, with the current commander-in-chief boasting a great relationship with the player and his father Jorge Messi, who acts as his agent as well. Talks have been promising and all fingers pointed to a two-year extension being completed. However, the South American has not yet put pen to paper and with his contract being over, many are beginning to wonder if the talisman forward will pull off a surprise U-turn.
La Pulga is no longer a Barcelona player, meaning he is free to join the likes of City and PSG for nothing should those two clubs still hold interest in pursuing him. However, Laporta was quick to offer a positive update, telling Onda Cero's 'El Transistor' that the Argentine has agreed to stay, with only formalities standing in the way of an official confirmation.
"We want Leo to stay and he wants to stay," the Blaugrana president said, as per Marca.
"Everything's going the right way, and we're trying to find a solution that we're all happy with.
"It's about 'fair play' now.
"I'd love to say he is staying but I can't say that yet because we're still working through things."
One of the major factors as to why an extension was not wrapped up prior to the June 30 expiration date is due to Lionel's ongoing Copa America campaign. The Albiceleste ace is currently away on international duty, captaining his side to the quarter-finals of CONMEBOL's prestigious tournament, where they will face Ecuador.
