• Transfer news

Laporta offers an encouraging update on Messi’s renewal

Getty Images
Advertisement

During a public event, Joan Laporta offered another encouraging update on Leo Messi’s contract extension this summer. 

Even though Joan Laporta’s intention is to convince Leo Messi to remain at FC Barcelona, the reality is that he still hasn’t convinced him to sign. Although he has been making progress in other areas that might convince the captain to stay, we had no updates until today. Catalonia is presenting a documentary about Leo Messi’s life by the name of ‘Messi, the 10th art’ in Barcelona’s Palau of Music. An event Laporta obviously didn’t miss. The press asked him several questions about the star’s contract renewal and he decided to speak up this time around.

Marca picked up the following statement: “I would like to say that [Messi’s contract renewal] is already done, but it is not like that. The talks are going well, but it is not done. The idea is to reach an agreement as soon as possible. It is convenient for him and also for us because if we solve this matter others would be solved faster. We are confident because he wants to stay. We are doing everything possible to offer him a competitive team. We have signed Kun [Aguero] who reminds him every day at the Copa America that he has to sign so they can play together.” 

Laporta won’t take ‘NO’ for an answer. 

When asked how optimistic he was about Messi’s response, Laporta added: “I am not contemplating [getting] a no [as an answer]. I am optimistic. He wants to stay and we do what we can. It is not easy. He is still the best in the world and is coveted by other clubs that have greater financial potential. We compete against state clubs that can undermine transfers that we are trying [to carry out]. It is not fair.

“We live in a difficult moment in which it is not enough to make an offer and reach an agreement. Now things have to fit together. And this requires patience. We act with skill and ability to convince him. There is no need to seduce him because he has decided to stay if certain circumstances arise. He is having a good time here. There is no a date for the agreement. I would like it to be the 24th [of June] which is my saint’s day and Leo’s birthday. Or else the 29th which is my birthday. It would be a good gift.”

x