La Liga 2016/17: Barcelona confirm that they have not offered Messi a new contract yet
Barcelona vice-president Jordi Mestre has confirmed that the Catalan giants have not offered Lionel Messi a new contract yet. The Argentinian’s contract runs out in 2018, and while Barcelona have not yet begun contract talks, they are hopeful of tying him down to a new deal early next year, to keep the trio of Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar together.
Reports in Spain emerged last week that Messi’s father and agent, Jorge Messi, had travelled to Barcelona to begin contract talks. However, Barcelona VP Jordi Mestre denied that in an interview with Spanish TV channel Movistar Plus, saying “We haven't started negotiations for Messi's renewal, but after those of Neymar and Luis Suarez, we hope to finalise it in the first trimester of the year.”
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Messi’s contract renewal has been the subject of fervent speculation in the last few weeks, especially after reports began circulating that the Argentine superstar was fielding a mammoth 500 million offer from Chinese Super League side, Hebei China Fortune.
Barcelona are reportedly hoping to make Lionel Messi the best-paid player on the planet, especially after announcing a new kit sponsorship deal with Rakuten, which will provide them the financial wherewithal to fund Messi’s new salary in addition to the raised wages of Neymar and Suarez.
Messi still happy to grace the Nou Camp pitch with his magic
A big bargaining chip for Barcelona in the contract negotiations is that Lionel Messi still shares a telepathic understanding with Neymar Jr. and Luis Suarez. It was no more apparent than last night, when the trio were magnificent as they put RCD Espanyol to the sword in a 4-1 win.
In a week where Lionel Messi lost out on the Ballon d’Or to Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi reminded everyone of the talent he possesses with a stunning run past 4 defenders that made the entire football-watching populace stand up and notice.
Also Read: Twitter is Messi-merized as Barcelona outclass Espanyol in derby
Messi’s teammate, Luis Suarez, who signed a contract extension with Barcelona last week, urged him to stay, saying “We hope he continues at the club. He's happy, he's great and it's he who has to decide. He has to make the decision.”