Lionel Messi has reportedly agreed a contract extension with Barcelona worth two more years, putting an end to all talks of a move away from the club for the next couple of years at the very least. The player had made it clear that he intends on staying at the club, and an agreement was needed for that to happen, and it seems that has finally been found.
According to Barcelona president Joan Laporta: “Leo surely deserves more and could make more elsewhere, but his desire is to make Barça great.
“I am sure that he appreciates the effort we are making, and I think that he is excited and motivated by the project we are building.
“For Leo, it is not about money, it is about the team and its chances of winning. Leo, above all, wants to feel comfortable, to feel appreciated. And then to win.”
Barcelona also signed Messi’s best friend and Argentina national teammate, Sergio Aguero from Manchester City as a free agent following the expiry of his contract. According to him as well, the club are talking with Messi to extend his stay and all that remains to be declared is the official announcement itself.
The six-time Ballon d’Or winner has made it clear that his intention is to win trophies. And given that he is well into his thirties, time is no longer on his side. These next two years could be Messi’s last chance at winning silverware in Europe, especially the coveted Champions League trophy, that he hasn’t won in six years.