Barcelona confident in Messi’s contract extension until 2023

Barcelona are confident that Lionel Messi will extend his contract with the club. Negotiations have taken place, and club president Joan Laporta has been vocal of the fact that they see the Argentine staying at the club as a priority. 

The player could extend his deal with the club until 2023, and according to renowned transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, it is only a matter of time before the six-time Ballon d’Or award winner renews his contract with the only professional club that he has ever played for. 

Last summer, things seemed to be reaching a breaking point between Messi and Barcelona. The player had handed in a transfer request via burofax, and confirmed that in an interview later on. Then president Josep Maria Bartomeu ultimately convinced him to stay, but he had a shaky start to the season on the pitch. 

Despite that, Messi finished the 20/21 campaign with the Pichichi trophy, and also led Barcelona to the Copa del Rey by beating Athletic Club in the final. However, they narrowly missed out on the La Liga title which highlights the inconsistencies within the team that have caused Messi trouble. 

The ultimate aim for La Pulga is to win the European title again, and Barcelona, with their recruitments this summer, are putting themselves in prime position to become genuine contenders again. With that said, talks between Messi and the club have been satisfactory and the Barcelona officials expect the deal to be official very soon.