Barcelona see Lionel Messi as integral to their future plans

Messi is currently tied down until 2021 but Barcelona are beginning to plan for the long-term future at the Camp Nou. They have already completed the signing of talented midfielder Frenkie de Jong who will join up with his new team-mates in the summer. Also on Barcelona’s radar is Matthijs de Ligt who has impressed with Ajax, particularly in the Champions League. Something that is seen crucial for the Catalans in the contract extension of Lionel Messi.

Last Wednesday, Josep Maria Bartomeu made it clear the club is still integral to their success. “Leo has a contract until 2021 and we will also do another renovation,” he said. “He is strong and mentally better than ever. He has the ambition to win titles.” In November 2017 Messi signed an extension at Barcelona which contained a release clause of £600million.

Lionel Messi is currently signed with Barcelona until 2021

Barcelona are desperate to get Lionel Messi tied down to an extended deal

According to Mundo Deportivo, the La Liga leaders have now entered negotiations with the Argentine having held talks about their future plans. Their strong ambition is to get Messi to sign an extension until 2022 at least but ideally they would like him to commit until 2023. Bartomeu is planning on scheduling a meeting with Jorge Messi, his father and agent where he will propose the club’s plans for their star. Barcelona stand in good stead of winning another famous treble, just as they did under Pep Guardiola and Luis Enrique.

Lionel Messi is likely to see out his career at Barcelona