Koeman gives an update on Messi's future at Barcelona

Barcelona manager Ronald Koeman gave a brief update on contract talks between the club and Lionel Messi.

Ronald Koeman is hopeful Barcelona will announce a contract extension for Lionel Messi ‘soon’.

As things stand, the six-time Ballon d’Or winner will become a free agent on July 1. Talks with Barcelona over a new deal remain ongoing, although he has yet to announce a final decision on his future.

Blaugrana president Joan Laporta confirmed earlier this week that ‘talks are going well, but it [a new contract] is not done’. He remains confident, though, of Messi’s desire to stay at Camp Nou.

“Messi has to finish his career at Barcelona, so I hope we can make it official soon,” Koeman told SPORT.

A probable reason for the delay is Messi currently being away on international duty with the Argentina national team.

The 33-year-old scored in the team’s 1-1 draw with Chile in Monday’s first game of the Copa America tournament. He and Argentina return to action on Saturday morning against Uruguay.