The six-time Ballon d’Or winner has yet to make an official decision on his future, and the 33-year-old still sees his current deal heading for a free agency.
Messi has to end his career at Barcelona
Ronald Koeman admits Lionel Messi “has to finish his career at Barcelona,” and the Blaugrana boss expects a contract extension for the mercurial Argentine to be announced “soon”. The six-time Ballon d’Or winner has yet to make an official decision on his future, and the 33-year-old still sees his current deal heading for a free agency. However, the expectation is that he will extend a career-long association with the La Liga Heavyweights, with new terms on the table and ready to be signed. Koeman told reporters when asked about the renewal of the long-running saga in Catalonia: “Messi has to end his career at Barcelona, so hopefully we can soon make it official.” Barcelona president Joan Laporta has declared on a regular basis, even before he returned to office at Camp Nou, that he believes Messi will stay put.
Laporta believes that Leo’s boots will stay on Camp Nou’s pitch
Although he has suggested that paperwork would not be completed imminently by a man currently away on Copa America duty with his country, that message has been reiterated. “The renewal is not at an advanced stage,” Laporta admitted. “It’s okay, and I believe Leo’s boots will stay on Camp Nou’s field. I can’t contemplate a no from Messi; he wants to stay. We are doing everything we can, but we don’t need to seduce him.” At the same time, waiting on a call from Messi, Barca are working hard to put more pieces of a trophy-winning puzzle in place alongside their iconic captain. Deals have been struck for Sergio Aguero, Eric Garcia and Emerson Royal, while Memphis Depay is expected to complete the transfer from Lyon as a free agent.
Koeman is pleased with the progress made on the recruiting front, with the Dutchman adding: “We are working to build a competitive team that will be much stronger than in previous seasons.”