Reports coming out of Argentina claim that an end in the Lionel Messi contract saga is coming to a close. Despite very nearly leaving the club last summer, Messi is now set to stay in Barcelona. He has reportedly agreed a two-year contract extension.
Lionel Messi brought the footballing world to a standstill when he revealed his desire to quit boyhood club Barcelona last summer. The Argentine had grown disillusioned with how the club was being run. There was also the disappointment that came with the treatment of his close friend Luis Suarez, who, despite being an important member of the team for several years, was neglected and later moved on to Atletico Madrid for free.
Protests against the club hierarchy followed the news, with fans asking for the resignation of the then President Josep Maria Bartomeu. He has since been replaced by Joan Laporta, who is credited for presiding over Barcelona’s most successful spell in the modern era. However, the environment surrounding the club was not as giddy and hopeful back in August 2020.
The club denied Messi his wish to leave, citing legal measures which effectively prevented the player from cancelling his contract. The Argentine forward stayed against his wishes, leaving Barcelona fans anxious about the season to come.
Eight months later, Barcelona are flying high. Laporta is back, Messi has clicked with his new teammates, and the team is challenging Atletico Madrid for the league title. The Argentina international is also the leading scorer in the league. His form since the turn of the year has been key to Barcelona’s late title charge. The title is still within their grasps, despite a shock loss to Granada last week nearly derailing their bid. A win against leaders Atletico Madrid on the weekend could see them effectively go top of the league with just three matches left to play.
More good news could follow. As per ESPN Argentina, Messi has ended his strife with the club and is now expected to sign a new two-year extension that will keep him at Camp Nou until 2023. A contract extension for the six-time Ballon d’Or winner was one of the key tasks for Laporta in the early days of his presidency. Messi’s current deal at the club expires in July 2021, but an extension will prevent him from leaving on a free transfer.
With a deal for Messi reportedly secured, Barcelona will continue to build for the season ahead. Ronald Koeman’s side have already sealed a spot in next season’s UEFA Champions League group stage and could yet enter the competition as the winners of the Spanish domestic league.
Focus then turns to transfer targets which could strengthen the team for the years to come. One of the key targets for the Blaugrana is Erling Haaland, with Laporta even conducting a meeting with his agent and father. However, it remains to be seen whether the club will be involved in the bidding war for the Norwegian forward, considering his high fee.
Meanwhile, one player who Barcelona could sign for much less is Flamengo’s Gerson. ESPN reports that the club is interested in bringing the Brazilian midfielder back to Europe after he left AS Roma to return to his native land. Gerson has since enjoyed a successful spell with Flamengo and is considered among the best central midfielders in his country.
The report states that Barcelona have contacted the 23-year-old’s representatives over a potential move, although terms are yet to be agreed upon. Nevertheless, Gerson could become the latest South American star to join Messi and Co in Barcelona for their subsequent campaign.
