Contract talks with Lionel Messi are “progressing adequately”, says Barcelona president Joan Laporta, with La Liga giants still hoping to get a talismanic presence tied to fresh terms.
The six-time Ballon d’Or winner’s contract with Barcelona has already expired on June 30 and now he is a free agent.
However, according to several reports, Messi will stay at Barcelona as the club is currently working on getting rid of some players to produce finance for the 34-year-old’s new contract.
Laporta, when asked by reporters for an update during the presentation of Mago Pop’s show, he said “[Messi’s renewal] is progressing adequately.
Laporta further talked about Messi winning Copa America and said he made everyone cry with joy with the title win.
“All the Catalans, Barcelona, Catalunya, and the entire football world are happy because Leo won the Copa America.
“It is very exciting to see the best player in football history get excited about winning a title like this and he made all of us cry with joy.
“He is very happy, we are all happy, I am happy for Leo who has managed [to win the Copa America], together with his team-mates, and that Argentina is once again in the elite, and [I am] also [happy] for [Sergio] Aguero.
“I am happy for Messi’s family, for Argentina, for Barcelona who is recognized, admired, and loved for having this bond with Leo,” he said.